Speed Boat Tours

Kawarau and Shotover River 60-Minute Jet Boat Ride

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.

Guests on a jet boat navigating the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown.

Feel the rush on a 60-minute jet boat ride through the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, packed with thrilling spins, tight canyon turns, and epic water spray.

Highlights

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

Inclusions

1-hour jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
Expert driver/guide
Life jackets (up to 4XL size)

Exclusions

Food & beverages

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Speed, spins, and stunning scenery

Strap in – it’s time for a high-speed adventure across Queenstown’s legendary waterways. Your jet boat adventure kicks off with a quick safety rundown (don’t worry, even this part is fun) before you hit the throttle. In an instant, you’ll be skimming across the glassy waters of Lake Wakatipu, gaining speed as you enter the mighty Kawarau River. Hold on tight as your expert driver pulls off gravity-defying fishtails and exhilarating 360° spins, sending sprays of turquoise water into the air. With the Remarkables mountain range towering in the distance, this is Queenstown’s natural beauty at full throttle.

Canyons, currents, and a dash of gold rush history

The adventure intensifies as you navigate the wild Shotover River, famous for its narrow canyons and twisting waterways. These rugged cliffs once lured gold prospectors, and your guide will share thrilling tales of the region’s golden past as you race through its heart. Then comes the ultimate highlight—charging through churning Grade 3 rapids before diving into the 170-meter-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, a natural wonder carved by the river itself. One moment you're dodging canyon walls, the next you're bursting back into the open, adrenaline still pumping.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, warm clothing and gloves (in winter), hats, and water.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for infants aged 2 years and under.

Accessibility

This experience is accessible by wheelchair. You must be accompanied by a caregiver who can help carry you down a set of stairs and assist you with getting in and out of the jet boat.
Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.

Additional information

Children and infants must be able to fit into the life jacket provided to enjoy this experience.
Each infant must be accompanied by an adult during the experience.
Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Life jackets are available in sizes up to 4XL.
The decision on whether a child can sit independently or on a guardian's lap will be made by staff at check-in.
Children and infants must be able to fit into the life jacket provided to enjoy this experience.
Bringing cameras on board is at your own risk.
When a child sits on a guardian's lap, the guardian must keep their arms wrapped around the child and hold onto the handrail to secure the child, especially during spins.
If you have any concerns about a pre-existing medical condition, consult with your doctor before participating.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.