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Queenstown Jet Boating

Get ready for high-speed jet boating through narrow river canyons while taking in the towering Remarkable Mountain and the crystal blue waters of the Kawarau River with an expert guide by your side.
Queenstown Jet Boating
Tourists on Shotover Jet navigating Shotover River in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists on Shotover Jet navigating white water rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover Jet boat speeding through river with hills and lush greenery in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover Jet navigating canyons with tourists in lifejackets, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover Jet navigating narrow canyons in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover Jet navigating narrow canyon in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover Jet navigating narrow canyons in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
1 hr
2 more
  • The Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering high-speed action, sharp turns, and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons.
  • Skim just inches from canyon walls at 95km/h, feeling the adrenaline rush as your expert driver navigates the winding Kawarau River with heart-racing precision.
  • Speed through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, with the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River churning beneath you at exhilarating speeds.
  • Opt for round-trip transfers from Queenstown for a hassle-free experience. Just sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.
  • Fun fact: The Māori name for the Shotover River, Kimi-ākau, means ‘looking for the coast,’ a nod to early explorers searching for a route westward.

More details

  • The Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering high-speed action, sharp turns, and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons.
  • Skim just inches from canyon walls at 95km/h, feeling the adrenaline rush as your expert driver navigates the winding Kawarau River with heart-racing precision.
  • Speed through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, with the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River churning beneath you at exhilarating speeds.
  • Opt for round-trip transfers from Queenstown for a hassle-free experience. Just sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.
  • Fun fact: The Māori name for the Shotover River, Kimi-ākau, means ‘looking for the coast,’ a nod to early explorers searching for a route westward.
from
NZ$169
Jet boat on Kawarau River with snowy mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, Queenstown, with scenic mountain backdrop.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Guests on a jet boat navigating the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown.
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with mountains in the background, Queenstown.
Family on jet boat navigating Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, showcasing thrilling 1-hour adventure.
Free cancellation
1 hr
Mobile ticket
  • Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat adventure on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, perfect for thrill-seekers and families craving high-speed fun.
  • Hold tight as your jet boat master pulls off electrifying 360° spins and hairpin turns, skimming past rugged cliffs and through rushing river rapids.
  • Race through narrow canyons and glide over crystal-clear waters, surrounded by Queenstown’s dramatic alpine landscapes and breathtaking gorges.
  • Enjoy a safe yet adrenaline-pumping ride with expert drivers, top-quality life vests, and fascinating local insights that bring the journey to life.
  • Fun fact: The Shotover River’s raging Grade 3 rapids carve a path to a 170-meter tunnel, making it nature’s own high-speed roller coaster

More details

  • Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat adventure on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, perfect for thrill-seekers and families craving high-speed fun.
  • Hold tight as your jet boat master pulls off electrifying 360° spins and hairpin turns, skimming past rugged cliffs and through rushing river rapids.
  • Race through narrow canyons and glide over crystal-clear waters, surrounded by Queenstown’s dramatic alpine landscapes and breathtaking gorges.
  • Enjoy a safe yet adrenaline-pumping ride with expert drivers, top-quality life vests, and fascinating local insights that bring the journey to life.
  • Fun fact: The Shotover River’s raging Grade 3 rapids carve a path to a 170-meter tunnel, making it nature’s own high-speed roller coaster
from
NZ$139
Tourists enjoying Skippers Canyon jet boat ride in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Experience with hotel transfers in Queenstown, New Zealand, showcasing scenic canyon views.
Jet boat navigating Skippers Canyon river in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Skippers Canyon river flowing through rocky cliffs in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat racing through Skippers Canyon, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Instant confirmation
3 hr
Mobile ticket
1 more
  • Calling all adventurers. This 3-hour experience combines a guided bus tour through Skippers Canyon and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River.

  • Travel the legendary Skippers Road, carved into sheer cliffs over 130 years ago, and hear captivating gold rush tales from your expert guide along the way.

  • Hold on tight as your jet boat zooms through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons at over 80 km/h, skimming past rock walls with exhilarating 360-degree spins.

  • Take a break at the historic Pipeline Bungy site, where you’ll soak in epic views of the canyon and its rugged beauty before heading back to Queenstown.

  • Fun fact: In 1862, two Māori shepherds found gold in Skippers Canyon after their dog was swept downstream, leading to a discovery worth nearly NZ$1 million today.

More details

  • Calling all adventurers. This 3-hour experience combines a guided bus tour through Skippers Canyon and a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River.

  • Travel the legendary Skippers Road, carved into sheer cliffs over 130 years ago, and hear captivating gold rush tales from your expert guide along the way.

  • Hold on tight as your jet boat zooms through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons at over 80 km/h, skimming past rock walls with exhilarating 360-degree spins.

  • Take a break at the historic Pipeline Bungy site, where you’ll soak in epic views of the canyon and its rugged beauty before heading back to Queenstown.

  • Fun fact: In 1862, two Māori shepherds found gold in Skippers Canyon after their dog was swept downstream, leading to a discovery worth nearly NZ$1 million today.

from
NZ$195.11
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
New
Speed Boat Tours
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
25 min
1 more
  • Take on the Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride, perfect for thrill-seekers wanting heart-pounding speeds, sharp turns, and epic Queenstown scenery.
  • With an expert driver at the helm, race through narrow canyons, skim past rock walls, and feel the spray as you power across the turquoise waters.
  • Hold tight as you hit speeds of up to 95 km/h, covering up to 44 km of river, pulling off gravity-defying 360° spins and maneuvers.
  • Choose the 25-minute ride for a quick adrenaline fix or the 60-minute ride for an extended, action-packed adventure through Queenstown’s wild landscapes.
  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River starred as the ‘Gates of Argonath’ in The Lord of the Rings, where filmmakers blended real footage with models to create the scene.

More details

  • Take on the Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride, perfect for thrill-seekers wanting heart-pounding speeds, sharp turns, and epic Queenstown scenery.
  • With an expert driver at the helm, race through narrow canyons, skim past rock walls, and feel the spray as you power across the turquoise waters.
  • Hold tight as you hit speeds of up to 95 km/h, covering up to 44 km of river, pulling off gravity-defying 360° spins and maneuvers.
  • Choose the 25-minute ride for a quick adrenaline fix or the 60-minute ride for an extended, action-packed adventure through Queenstown’s wild landscapes.
  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River starred as the ‘Gates of Argonath’ in The Lord of the Rings, where filmmakers blended real footage with models to create the scene.
from
NZ$109
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River jet boat navigating through rapids in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Shotover River whitewater rafting adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4 hr 30 min
2 more
  • Take on the Kawarau River with a thrilling whitewater rafting and jet boating adventure – perfect for adrenaline seekers and first-time rafters alike.

  • Hold on tight as your jet boat races down the river at 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and pulling off exhilarating 360-degree spins.

  • Paddle through 8 km of epic whitewater, tackling grade 2-3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), with the option to leap into the action with a cliff jump.

  • Conquer the mighty 400m Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, before floating through stunning landscapes straight from the movies.

  • Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge hosted the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988, kicking off Queenstown’s legacy as the adventure capital of the world.

More details

  • Take on the Kawarau River with a thrilling whitewater rafting and jet boating adventure – perfect for adrenaline seekers and first-time rafters alike.

  • Hold on tight as your jet boat races down the river at 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and pulling off exhilarating 360-degree spins.

  • Paddle through 8 km of epic whitewater, tackling grade 2-3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), with the option to leap into the action with a cliff jump.

  • Conquer the mighty 400m Dog Leg rapid, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, before floating through stunning landscapes straight from the movies.

  • Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge hosted the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988, kicking off Queenstown’s legacy as the adventure capital of the world.

from
NZ$299
Dart River jet boat navigating through scenic wilderness in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding through Dart River in Queenstown, New Zealand, surrounded by lush wilderness.
Dart River jet boat navigating through scenic wilderness in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding through Dart River in Queenstown, New Zealand, surrounded by lush wilderness.
Dart River jet boat speeding through scenic Queenstown canyon, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
2 hr 30 min
2 more
  • Experience the thrill of a 2-hour jet boat ride through the braided Dart River, covering up to 90 km of alpine scenery in Mount Aspiring National Park.
  • With dense forests as your backdrop, hear your expert guide share Māori legends and stories of their treks through this land to reach the sacred pounamu fields.
  • Speed over the Dart River’s braided channels, passing snow-capped peaks like Mount Cosmos and Nox while spotting rare blue ducks in crystal-clear waters.
  • Navigate past towering mountains and glacial valleys in UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park, a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.
  • Fun fact: The Dart River is also called Te Awa Whakatipu, meaning "the river of whirlpools," named by Māori for its swirling currents and braided channels.

More details

  • Experience the thrill of a 2-hour jet boat ride through the braided Dart River, covering up to 90 km of alpine scenery in Mount Aspiring National Park.
  • With dense forests as your backdrop, hear your expert guide share Māori legends and stories of their treks through this land to reach the sacred pounamu fields.
  • Speed over the Dart River’s braided channels, passing snow-capped peaks like Mount Cosmos and Nox while spotting rare blue ducks in crystal-clear waters.
  • Navigate past towering mountains and glacial valleys in UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park, a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.
  • Fun fact: The Dart River is also called Te Awa Whakatipu, meaning "the river of whirlpools," named by Māori for its swirling currents and braided channels.
from
NZ$299
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Rafters navigating rapids on Shotover River, Queenstown, during a whitewater rafting adventure.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand, with rafters navigating rapids.
Shotover River whitewater rafting adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4 hr 30 min
2 more
  • Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
  • Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.
  • Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.
  • Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
  • Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

More details

  • Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
  • Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.
  • Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.
  • Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
  • Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"
from
NZ$299
Dart River Funyaks adventure with kayaks on a serene river in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists paddling inflatable kayaks on Dart River, surrounded by lush Queenstown landscapes.
Dart River Funyaks adventure with kayaks on a serene river in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists paddling inflatable kayaks on Dart River, surrounded by lush Queenstown landscapes.
Tourists paddling inflatable kayaks on Dart River, surrounded by lush mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists paddling inflatable kayaks on Dart River, surrounded by lush mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Dart River Funyaks adventure with kayaks on a serene river in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists paddling inflatable kayaks on Dart River, surrounded by lush mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
6 hr 30 min
3 more
  • Experience the ultimate mix of adventure and scenery as you jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a Funyak through Mount Aspiring National Park’s wild beauty.
  • Glide through crystal-clear streams and hidden chasms in your Funyak, paddling past untouched landscapes teeming with native birds and lush beech forests.
  • Travel through the backcountry and see epic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, where Middle-earth and mutant battles came to life.
  • Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious riverside picnic, and upgrade your experience with optional round-trip transfers from Queenstown.
  • Fun fact: Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake, is often called the "Matterhorn of the South" for its towering, pyramid-like peak reaching 3,033 meters.

More details

  • Experience the ultimate mix of adventure and scenery as you jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a Funyak through Mount Aspiring National Park’s wild beauty.
  • Glide through crystal-clear streams and hidden chasms in your Funyak, paddling past untouched landscapes teeming with native birds and lush beech forests.
  • Travel through the backcountry and see epic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, where Middle-earth and mutant battles came to life.
  • Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious riverside picnic, and upgrade your experience with optional round-trip transfers from Queenstown.
  • Fun fact: Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake, is often called the "Matterhorn of the South" for its towering, pyramid-like peak reaching 3,033 meters.
from
NZ$429
Tourist in life jacket swimming in Kawarau River during whitewater rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourist jumping into Kawarau River during white water rafting adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tourists rafting on Kawarau River, New Zealand, navigating whitewater rapids.
Tourists in life vests preparing for Kawarau River white water rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kawarau River whitewater rafting with bridge in background, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4 hr 30 min
2 more
  • Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.

  • Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.

  • Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.

  • Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.

  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

More details

  • Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.

  • Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.

  • Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.

  • Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.

  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

from
NZ$229

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