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 through Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau, and Shotover rivers in Queenstown with KJet's high-speed adventure rated at 4.8 by over 1,250 thrill-seekers. The journey begins with a safety briefing and life jacket distribution before you power across the dramatic landscapes of these celebrated river systems for an hour-long ride through fast-flowing waters on Lake Wakatipu. This tour is part of Queenstown's renowned speed boat tours offering unparalleled excitement in New Zealand’s stunning scenery.

Enjoy an exhilarating 60-minute jet boat ride at speeds reaching up to 95kph along Queenstown’s famous rivers—ideal for those who love adventure and family outings.

Navigate through Queenstown's picturesque waterways on a high-speed, 45km journey filled with dynamic 360° spins complemented by stunning alpine views from every angle.

Offering no height limitations and child-sized life jackets, KJet’s jet boat ride welcomes families of all sizes. Children aged 2-4 can join for free (with age range extending to 5-14 years), starting at just two years old.

Starting hourly on the hour from Main Town Pier—a brief walk away from central accommodation—this departure schedule ensures convenient access.

Entry for a thrilling 1-hour jet boat ride across Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

Access to exhilarating 360° spins on the water during your journey

High-speed travel experience along the river with KJet's expert services

Guidance by an experienced driver/guide throughout the adventure

Provision of life jackets suitable for sizes up to 4XL

Individual Costs

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.

Your Adventure Awaits

Start a thrilling 1-hour journey across Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau River, and Shotover River with KJet’s renowned Jet Boat Ride. This adventure has earned an impressive rating of 4.8 from over 1,250 thrill-seekers.

Getting Started

Your experience begins at the main jet boat dock on Lake Wakatipu. Here, staff will confirm your booking and provide a safety briefing before distributing life jackets for boarding.

The Journey Ahead

This ride takes you through Queenstown's iconic river systems—Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau River, and Shotover River—known for their stunning landscapes and fast-flowing waters. Located in the stunning region of New Zealand’s South Island near Lake Wakatipu.

Features

  • Cruise on Lake Wakatipu: Glide over New Zealand's third-largest lake, surrounded by majestic mountain views unique to Queenstown.
  • Ride the Kawarau River: Speed through winding channels with clear waters and scenic gorges that highlight this river’s beauty.
  • Experience Shotover River: Navigate sharp turns and shallow stretches, known for swift currents and rugged banks.
  • 360° Spins: Feel the exhilaration as your driver performs thrilling full spins on the water—a signature feature of jet boating in Queenstown.
  • High-speed Thrills: Enjoy rapid acceleration and tight maneuvers, all safely managed by expert 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

  • Your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID are required for verification purposes.

Dress in comfortable attire suitable for high-speed water activities; on-site safety gear may be suggested.

Prohibited Items

  • Oversized luggage, including large bags or suitcases, is not allowed onboard the boat.
  • No food and drinks are permitted during the experience.
  • The use of alcohol and cigarettes on board is strictly forbidden.

For safety reasons, infants aged 2 years and under cannot participate in this activity.

Accessibility Information

  • This adventure is wheelchair accessible. A caregiver must accompany you to assist with boarding via stairs and exiting the jet boat.

Guests who are pregnant or have back, cardiac, or other serious medical conditions should not partake in this experience.

Additional Information

  • To enjoy the ride, children and infants must fit into provided life jackets.
  • An adult is required to accompany each infant during the activity.
  • All guests aged 14 years or under need an accompanying adult.
  • Life jacket sizes are available up to 4XL.
  • The decision regarding whether a child can sit independently or on a guardian's lap is made by staff at check-in.
  • Cameras brought onboard are solely the responsibility of their owners.
  • If children sit in an adult’s lap, adults must hold them securely with arms wrapped around and hands gripping the handrail during spins for safety.
  • Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about a pre-existing medical condition before participating.

The activity runs under most weather conditions; ensure appropriate clothing and adhere to all safety instructions from 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.

Book your jet boat ride at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions since departures are every hour on the hour.

Bring your booking confirmation and valid photo ID for verification before boarding, ensuring a smooth check-in process.

If you're visiting with kids aged 2-4, they can ride free—just remember to bring child-sized life jackets if needed.

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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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