Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers, surrounded by scenic cliffs and trees.
Guests on a jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, New Zealand.
Jet boat on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with mountains in the background.
Family in life jackets enjoying a boat tour on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with scenic mountain backdrop.

Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride by KJet, Queenstown

Queenstown
Speed Boat Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride with KJet on Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau and Shotover rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand. This thrilling hour-long adventure is highly rated by over 1,250 thrill-seekers at a fantastic 4.8 rating. Prepare for your journey as you board from the main dock after receiving safety instructions and life jackets.

Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat ride, hitting speeds of up to 95kph on Queenstown’s epic rivers—perfect for thrill-seekers and families.

Blast around Queenstown’s scenic waterways on a thrilling 45km jet boat adventure packed with 360° spins and epic 360° alpine views.

With no height restrictions, child-sized life jackets, and a minimum age of just 2 years, KJet is the perfect activity for the whole family. Kids aged 2-4 ride free (child age is 5-14 years).

Departs every hour, on the hour, from Main Town Pier, just a short stroll from central accommodation.

1-hour jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

360° spins on water

High-speed river travel

Expert driver/guide

Life jackets (up to 4XL size)

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers, surrounded by scenic cliffs and trees.

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers, surrounded by scenic cliffs and trees.

Power through a 1-hour jet boat adventure on Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau, and Shotover rivers—rated 4.8 by over 1,250 thrill-seekers.

Getting started

Check in at the main jet boat dock on Lake Wakatipu, where staff will confirm your booking and provide a quick safety briefing. Life jackets are distributed before you board the jet boat for your high-speed journey.

What to expect

This experience takes you across Lake Wakatipu and into the heart of Queenstown’s iconic river systems, celebrated for their dramatic landscapes and fast-flowing waters.

Features

  • Lake Wakatipu cruise: Glide across New Zealand’s third-largest lake, surrounded by mountain views unique to Queenstown.

  • Kawarau River ride: Speed along this river’s winding channels, famous for their clear water and scenic gorges.

  • Shotover River ride: Navigate sharp turns and shallow stretches on a river known for its swift currents and rugged banks.

  • 360° spins: Feel the rush as your driver performs full spins on the water, a signature move of jet boating in Queenstown.

  • High-speed travel: Experience rapid acceleration and tight maneuvers, all under the guidance of skilled jet boat operators.

Guests on a jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, New Zealand.

Guests on a jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, New Zealand.

Jet boat on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with mountains in the background.

Jet boat on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with mountains in the background.

Family in life jackets enjoying a boat tour on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.

Family in life jackets enjoying a boat tour on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.

What to bring

  • Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for verification.

  • Wear comfortable clothing suitable for high-speed water activities; safety clothing may be recommended on site.

What’s not allowed

  • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the boat.

  • Food and beverages are not allowed during the experience.

  • Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.

  • 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.

  • The activity operates in most weather conditions; dress appropriately and follow all safety instructions provided by staff.

Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with scenic mountain backdrop.

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with scenic mountain backdrop.

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Operating hours

KJet Queenstown

Monday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
Sunday
9:00am - 7:00pm • last entry 6:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

Food and beverages are not allowed during the experience for your convenience and safety.
Life jackets up to a size of 4XL are available, including child-sized options for younger participants.
Departures are scheduled every hour, on the hour from Main Town Pier in Queenstown.
The ride lasts for one hour, offering a thrilling experience on Queenstown's epic rivers.
You'll hit speeds of up to 95kph while navigating the fast-flowing waters of Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the boat to ensure everyone's safety.
Expect a thrilling journey with high-speed river travel, 360° spins on water, and expert guidance as you explore Queenstown’s scenic landscapes.
Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited throughout your experience for safety reasons.
The minimum age to participate is two years, with no height restrictions. Children aged 2-4 ride free; child age is defined as 5-14 years.
Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for verification. Also, wear comfortable clothing suitable for high-speed water activities.

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