Shotover Canyons 25-Minute Jet Boat Ride

The ultimate canyon adventure

Hold on tight—this is no ordinary boat ride! Feel the rush as your jet boat blasts off into the narrow, twisting Shotover Canyons, where sheer rock walls tower on either side. From the moment you hit the water, the adrenaline kicks in. Your expert driver cranks up the speed to 90km/h, skimming across just centimeters of water before—whoosh!—a high-speed turn sends a wall of spray skyward. Then, with barely a moment to recover, you’re darting through tight passageways only meters wide. The roar of twin V8 engines echoes against the canyon as you twist, turn, and spin through the river’s hidden bends. But it’s not just about speed—between the thrills, hear fascinating stories of the river’s Māori heritage, the gold rush era, and the daring figures who once navigated these waters. When you pull back into the dock, you’ll be drenched, exhilarated, and buzzing from an unforgettable ride through one of Queenstown’s most spectacular landscapes.

Shotover Canyons 25-Minute Jet Boat Ride

Swooshing through narrow canyons at breakneck speeds, experiencing high-octane spins and razor-sharp turns, the Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is crafted for explorers of adrenaline, devotees of waterborne adventure, and seekers of unparalleled excitement. As you skim inches above the turquoise waters, your expert driver navigates the twisting Shotover River at 90km/h, offering a heart-pounding journey that weaves through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, creating memories like threads in a grand tapestry of motion and awe. With the Māori name for the river, Kimi-ākau, meaning ‘looking for the coast,’ evoking ancient explorers’ quests westward, this ride offers an exhilarating exploration into New Zealand’s rugged beauty while acknowledging the real-world limitations of speed and safety.

Skimming Inches Above Towering Canyon Walls

Visit towering canyon walls during the tour's highlight segment where you’ll experience the closest proximity to nature’s grandeur, skimming just inches above them at breathtaking speeds. The turquoise waters beneath your boat churn as you navigate the twists and turns of the narrow canyons, creating a symphony of water splashing against rock. Imagine being encircled by towering cliffs that seem to touch the sky, with every turn revealing new vistas and dramatic landscapes etched into the earth’s skin. This intimate encounter with nature's raw power offers an unparalleled sense of adventure and wonder.

Speeding Through Dramatic Gorges

Experience dramatic gorges as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring high-speed boat rides through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking terrain. The winding Shotover River carves its way through towering rock formations, creating narrow chasms that seem to defy nature's laws. As you speed through these gorges, the water rushes beneath you, creating a thrilling blend of adventure and natural beauty. Each turn brings new surprises, from hidden coves to sheer cliff faces, making every moment an exhilarating journey into the heart of the wilderness.

Tour Highlights

• Visit towering canyon walls closest proximity nature’s grandeur
• Experience dramatic gorges twisting and turning Shotover River spectacular
• Navigate narrow canyons skimming inches above rock formations breathtakingly
• Spin 360° turns creating heart-pounding excitement uniquely
• Skim through turquoise waters churning beneath boat impressively
• Enjoy round-trip transfers Queenstown hassle-free conveniently

Swooshing for explorers of adrenaline, sailing for devotees of waterborne adventure, and spinning for seekers of unparalleled excitement, this high-octane journey weaves through dramatic gorges and narrow canyons like a ribbon cutting through the heart of New Zealand’s rugged landscape. Each turn brings new thrills and breathtaking vistas, creating memories that sparkle like the river's spray against sunlight.