New Zealand · JET BOAT RIDES

The 15 Best Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand

37 tours  ·  from $35

The jet boat was invented here to run shallow braided rivers, and the tourist version leans hard into the canyon walls. These 15 price the Shotover, Kawarau, Huka Falls and Waikato runs, with ride times and what the combo tickets save.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Duke Street to the river base
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Entering the Kawarau River at up to 95 kph
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Bungy Jumping, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo - Racing through the canyon
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

3.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89

Rapids Jet takes you from Rotokawa along the Waikato River for a fast 35-minute ride through narrow canyons, clear water, and the Nga Awa Purua rapids. Your guide, such as Jacob, Shannon, or Taylah, handles the 550-horsepower boat and shares local history. The ride does not visit Huka Falls.

“Easy peasy fun & fast thrill ride. Capt. Shannon made it all worthwhile. Seemed that we did a bit more time than what the description said.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - From Queenstown to the jet base
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

4.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 :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience - Racing through the Waikato River scenery
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

5.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Ride a high-speed jet boat from Wairakei Tourist Park to the base of Huka Falls. Expect 80km/h runs, 360-degree spins, sharp cliff passes, local commentary, and spray. Drivers such as Scott, Ricky, Chopper, and Tee are known for lively guiding and skilled boat handling.

“Absolutely brilliant, loved it, great fun at high speed, the 360 spins and doughnuts by Huka Falls well worthwhile.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - Meeting in central Queenstown
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

6.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - Reaching Lake Manapouri and the Quietest Moment
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Jet Boat Rides, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

7.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by road and jet boat along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect warm gear, native forest, three Lord of the Rings filming locations, local stories, high-speed turns, 360-degree spins, and a short guided walk.

“Alex was awesome. Such a good time and informative. We really enjoyed the trip and it was well worth it :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo - The 30-minute ride from Karetoto Road
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

8.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94

Ride the Waikato River for 30 minutes with Hukafalls Jet, racing toward the 11-meter Huka Falls. Expect 360-degree spins, power brakes, lively commentary, close water-level views, and spray. Guides including Scott, Ricki, Arthur, Rocky, and others bring local knowledge and plenty of humor.

“Amazing experience and so much fun. The driver was so good and kept us on the edge of our seats with high speed turns and navigating the mighty haka falls.”

Check availability →Read our full review

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - The Kawarau River and the first spins
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Bungy Jumping, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

9.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - Glenorchy at the edge of the park
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, National Parks, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

10.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - The Queenstown to Glenorchy journey
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

11.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting - The 40-minute ride on Skippers Canyon Road
Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting

Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

12.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka - What the 90-minute itinerary feels like
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

13.Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · from $98

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River with Pat and his crew. Expect fast runs, 360-degree spins, sharp turns, river history, camera stops, and views of glacial terraces and the Southern Alps. Pickup is available from Albert Town, with groups capped at nine.

“Patrick and his crew were very experienced and made us feel comfortable and safe, while having fun. The boat was clean and well-maintained. Patrick was knowledgeable about the area and shared lots of good information. The scenery Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - What the jet boat ride is really like
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Wanaka, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

14.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215

From Wanaka, you’ll ride a jet boat up the glacier-fed Matukituki River, enjoy spins and mountain views, then take a 50-minute guided walk through beech forest to waterfalls and streams. Guides such as Ben and James add local insight. The four-hour trip suits people with moderate fitness.

“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure - The Skippers Canyon road sets the tone
Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting

Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

15.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Jet Boat Rides

★ 5.0Shotover River Rafting Trip from QueenstownFrom $190115 reviews
★ 5.0Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle IncludedFrom $2078 reviews
★ 5.0Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpineFrom $3758 reviews
★ 4.5Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchFrom $14516 reviews
★ 5.0Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet BoatFrom $2913 reviews
★ 5.0River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local GuideFrom $14321 reviews
★ 4.7Taumarunui: Railcart and Jetboat Adventure with lunchFrom $2866 reviews
★ 4.9Shotover River Whitewater Rafting TripFrom $17872 reviews
★ 5.0Shotover River Rafting & Skippers Canyon TourFrom $1785 reviews
★ 4.9Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat TripFrom $5358 reviews
★ 4.5River Jet Boat RideFrom $776 reviews
★ 4.8Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike ComboFrom $16710 reviews
★ 4.9Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure TourFrom $3581 reviews
★ 4.9Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat ExperienceFrom $178123 reviews
★ 4.9Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat RideFrom $8629 reviews

Keep browsing

White Water Rafting13Zip Lines18Quad Bikes14Cycling Tours100E-Bikes39Hiking & Trekking35Walking Tours94
Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.

On the water

Milford SoundWhale WatchingSea KayakingSailingEvery Boat Trip

Up high

Helicopter FlightsScenic FlightsSnow LandingsSkydivingBungy

Underground and thermal

Waitomo CavesThermal ParksWai-O-TapuHot PoolsStargazing

Culture and film

Maori CultureHobbitonWeta WorkshopMuseumsWine Tours