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
Speed Boat Tours
Google Verified Seller
Duration

Duration: 1 hour

Free cancellation

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

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

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)

Your experience image 1

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.

Your experience image 2

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

Your experience image 3

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

Know before you go image 1

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.

Know before you go image 2

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

Know before you go image 3

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with scenic mountain backdrop.

Customer Reviews

Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences

4.3

Loading reviews...

5
-
4
-
3
-
2
-
1
-

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

You might also like ...

Explore more experiences in Queenstown.

From
8,088per person
1

Were Online

How may

Why travellers trust Staybook

We've served 50 million+ guests and are here to serve you better

Premium support, curated experiences, and trusted reviews so every trip feels effortless.

Guests hosted
50 million+

Happy travellers across 12,000+ carefully curated experiences worldwide.

In the media
Featured brands

Recognised and recommended by leading travel and lifestyle publishers.

Support
24×7 help center

Live chat with local experts before, during, and after your experience.