New Zealand · JET BOAT RIDES
20 reviewed
The jet boat was invented here to run irrigation channels, and it now runs canyons instead. Compared below: the Shotover through its rock walls, the Kawarau, the Waikato under Huka Falls and the Dart into the back country, with ride lengths, how much of each trip is scenery versus spin, minimum ages and prices.
A small-group, high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River canyons in Queenstown, with 360-degree spins, rapids, and photo stops.
“It was fun and exciting The driver was professional . Fan and very recommend . I smile all the time.”
Jet boat thrills in Queenstown, with 360 spins, heated handrails, and a high-speed run up the Shotover and Kawarau rivers.
“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”
Taupo’s Waikato River jet boat ride is a 35-minute thrill with Nga Awa Purua rapids, canyon turns, a guide, and small groups.
“Prepare to have a great time. Everything is done well and you will not be disappointed. Very informative.”
Hurtling through the Shotover Canyons in a fast jet boat, with 360 spins, expert captains, and optional Queenstown transport.
“Loved this!! Such skill with boat precision!! Beautiful location. Has the be the best jet boat experience for sure”
Thrilling 30-minute jet boat to the base of Huka Falls, with 360 spins, water-level views, and expert driver commentary from Taupō.
“Was thrilling and fun! What a way to see the Huka Falls and we got wet too! Loved it and so did the teenagers. Definitely a must do when in Taupo!”
Skippers Canyon bus ride then a 30-minute jet boat on the Shotover River with spins, speed, and gold-mining views from Queenstown.
“LOVED IT! Our tour guide was great, and really knowledgeable about the area! Scenery was unreal, and the jet boat through the canyon was so fun. Would absolutely recommend!”
Jet boat ride from Te Anau through Fiordland to Lake Manapouri. LoTR stops, 360s, warm gear, and a short nature walk.
“What a memorable experience! Our guide was knowledgeable, entertaining, and clearly loved his job! The rest of the staff was friendly and helpful.. They have everything you may need - beanies, windbreakers, and sunscreen! I was a little Read more”
30-minute jet boat thrills on the Waikato River with close-up access to 11m Huka Falls, guided spins, and heated handrails in Taupo.
“Expected to go into this thinking ‘that was fun’, hell no, it was epic. Such fun and a highlight and we did all the classics in Rotorua: zorbing, white water rafting, kiwi hatchery and a few geysers”
KJet Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu plus the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. 1 hour of speed, spins, and big views.
“Wear a rain jacket. You will get a little bit wet even on a sunny day. Better to try and go on a sunny day to get the best views.”
Dart River jet boat from Glenorchy with a naturalist guide, Mt Aspiring National Park views, and lifejackets. Half-day from Queenstown.
“Fun experience. Definitely get the splash jacket because the way back is chilly if you are wet. Driver Andrew made the route interesting.”
Dart River jet boat plus funyak canoeing in Mt Aspiring National Park from Queenstown, with picnic lunch and all gear included.
“The jet boat was 10/10. It was thrilling but also felt safe. The funyaks were hard work. Not as easy or as relaxing as I expected. At a few points we had to drag the funyaks over rocks for approximately 10 meters. It was a full body workout, Read more”
Private Shotover River rafting from Queenstown with return transport, all gear, and hot showers. Grade 3 to 5 rapids, tunnel finale.
“It was my first time white water rafting and I had an amazing time. I almost drowned at one point so I would really recommend working on swimming and making sure you are strong enough to potentially swim against currents to get to your raft. They are not kidding when they say you need to be confident in swimming and strong enough to paddle. If you don’t paddle enough at some points, your raft will get stuck and you will have to jump out of your raft and swim to the nearest raft temporarily. The views were lovely and I had a great time despite almost drowning. I would highly…”
Jet boat the Clutha River from Wanaka with 360 spins, live commentary, photo stops, and small-group thrills on a 1.5 hour adventure.
“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”
Jet boat speed on the Matukituki River plus an easy Mount Aspiring wilderness walk from Wanaka, in a small group.
“If you visit the South Island, this is a must do activity! The staff is amazing and our river guide was amazing. I wasn't sure how the hike to the waterfall would turn out, but it was probably one of the highlights of the trip. You could tell how much Read more”
Queenstown half-day rafting on grade 3 to 5 Shotover rapids, coach ride via Skippers Canyon, plus the 550-foot Oxenbridge Tunnel.
“It was so great!! I was really nervous about doing this, but I’m so glad I did. I absolutely loved it!!!”
