15 Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown Worth Booking

1.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Our pick

Take a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyon, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees under the direction of a skilled local captain such as Peter, Joe, Paul, or Matt. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown, lifejackets, lockers, and optional souvenir photos.

“This is awesome. Totally easy and a ton of fun. This specific jet boat tour is clearly the one to do. A short scenic drive up to the launch point, is worth it vs. just being in Queenstown harbor area. The captain was great fun, and highly experiencRead more”

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2.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Ride KJet’s big yellow jet boat from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier across Lake Wakatipu, then up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, repeated 360-degree spins, mountain views, and helpful guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles. You will likely get wet, even in good weather.

“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”

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3.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

You’ll race through the Shotover Canyons with an expert English-speaking driver, skimming rapids at up to 90kmh and spinning 360 degrees near towering rock walls. Choose the Queenstown shuttle or drive yourself, and dress warmly: the wind can be cold even when you stay mostly dry.

“Wow! Exhilarating through the canyons. The turns were exciting and the kids and I loved it. Thanks for an awesome experience with a fun and professional guide :)”

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4.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Travel from Queenstown with guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, or Rob along the infamous Skippers Road, then take a 30-minute jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyons. Expect gold-mining history, Lord of the Rings scenery, sharp 360-degree spins, and a thrilling return drive.

“It was good and our tour guide Cal gave us some interesting facts about the history of skippers canyon. The jet boat was amazing and when he did the spin the water would splash in your face if you won’t a great experience in the history and some fun go to skippers canyon.Even the trip going on the bus down the mountain was fantastic and if you love the thrill of going down a mountain was fun.”

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5.KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 590 reviews · from $92

Board KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your captain handles speeds up to 95 km/h, tight turns, and 360-degree spins. Expect spray, sharp mountain views, and a lively family-friendly outing for ages two and up.

“We had a super fun ride with Anton today!! He swirled us and splashed us and thrilled us with spins! It was awesome. We highly recommend this boat ride!”

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6.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race and spin through the glacier-fed Dart River in Mt Aspiring National Park. Your guide handles the shallow channels, explains Māori and pioneer history, and points out native plants, wildlife, waterfalls, and film scenery. The trip lasts about four hours.

“This was an amazing thrill ride experience. Pedro our driver and guide for the trip was very knowledgeable and passionate about the surroundings we were in and passing through explaining all the views to us. It was such a fun trip and all our fellow passengers were excited about the whole experience. This is an opportunity not to miss.”

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7.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Ride a jet boat upriver, then paddle an inflatable funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park with guides such as Rob, JJ, Nikki, and Ella. Expect Tolkien-style scenery, side canyons, a picnic lunch, supplied gear, and a long day outdoors. No canoeing experience is needed, but some paddling and rock dragging can be hard work.

“Just do it! I was reluctant thinking I wasn’t fit enough but it was the best day ever. Nikki our jet boat driver was very experienced and made our ride out to the start of our funyaks journey exciting, stopping along the way to give us interesRead more”

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8.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · from $154

From Queenstown, ride the dramatic Skippers Canyon Road to Deep Creek, then paddle the Shotover River through grade 3 to 5 rapids, including the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel. Guides such as Jess, Benji, Morgan, and Erin lead the way. Wetsuits, photos, transport, and hot showers are included.

“Beautiful scenery, from the drive in to the river & rafting. what an adrenaline rush we all had so much Fun.”

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9.Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · from $175

Ride through historic Skippers Canyon, suit up with trained guides, and raft 16 kilometers of the Shotover River. Expect calm stretches, hard-hitting rapids, the dark Oxenbridge Tunnel, and a hot shower afterward. Guides such as Jess, Benji, and Morgan are praised for clear instruction and steady care.

“We had a great day with Justin out on the shot over river! The rapids were really fun and his instructions were clear. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Queenstown.”

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10.Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 175 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $65Best value

Ride Thunder Jet across Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River at up to 95 km/h. Expect 360-degree spins, sharp turns, English commentary, and views of The Remarkables. Guides such as Dan, Jess, and Matthew add local stories and plenty of humor. Choose 30 minutes for a taste or one hour for a fuller ride.

“Dan was top man whipping us around & got us bk in time to go toilet 👀🥴😂”

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11.Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · from $197

Start at RealNZ’s Queenstown Visitor Centre, then race along the Kawarau River by jet boat before switching to a raft. Expect grade 2-3 rapids, swimming, an optional three-meter rock jump, and the 400-meter Dog Leg rapid. Guides including Gabe, Guy, Matt, Mark, Danny, and Zane are praised for fun, calm instruction.

“What a great day!! The guides were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and fun. We started with an amazing jet boat ride on the river and then fun white water rafting. Everyone on staff was super helpful and friendly”

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12.Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 148 reviews · 390 - 510 minutes · from $256

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a wilderness jet boat and paddle a Funyak down the glacier-fed Dart River. Guides such as Ellie, Wolfgang, Dean, and Hannah have helped make this a polished, safety-minded day, with gear, picnic lunch, and a Paradise Valley film-location tour included.

“A fantastic day in a wilderness area. Our guides, Ellie and Wolfgang, were thoroughly professional and very organised. Overall leader Georgia was excellent as well. Rockburn Chasm was the highlight of the day. Lunch on the edge of the river was fabulous as well. Thanks to all at Dart River Adventures.”

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13.Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 4h 30m · from $190

Take a 25-minute jet boat ride at up to 95 km/h to the Kawarau River rafting station, then paddle 8 kilometers of Grade 2 to 3 rapids with an English-speaking guide. You can swim, race rafts, attempt a cliff jump, and finish with the 400-meter Dog Leg rapid.

“It was a perfect match to do the speedboat and then the rafting. The river is definitely fine for beginners and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the stunningly beautiful water. The guides are also super nice! Highly recommend”

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14.Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 123 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $178

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride the Dart River by jet boat through Mt Aspiring National Park. Your English-speaking guide shares Maori legends, local history, and film locations. Choose the two-hour self-drive option or four-hour package with return transport.

“Lots of fun and a great adrenaline rush! The handrails were burning my hands in the rear seat so Andreas turned the heat down but they got hot again. Seems there’s a problem with the heater on the last seat rail in the smaller boat.”

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15.Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $190

From Queenstown, you’ll ride a coach through Skippers Canyon, learn rafting skills, and tackle six grade 4 to 5 rapids on the Shotover River. Wetsuit gear, guides, hot showers, and transfers are included. Confident swimming and moderate fitness are required.

“From the start to the end, an overall engaging excursion. The guides were fabulous! The bus ride to Skippers Landing was filled with intriguing stories and funny anecdotes while pointing out rock formations and the harrowing cliff drop froRead more”

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