Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride by Shotover Jet, Queenstown






















Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride by Shotover Jet, Queenstown
Duration: Varies (1 hour to 2 hours)
Varies (1 hour to 2 hours)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Experience high-speed excitement on the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride by Shotover Jet in Queenstown, New Zealand. Race through narrow canyons and thrilling rapids during this exhilarating 25-minute journey, where you'll be greeted with a safety briefing upon arrival at the jet boat base near the river. The tour offers an iconic adventure experience as it navigates fast-flowing waters amidst dramatic rock formations carved over thousands of years.
Experience high-speed excitement on the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride by Shotover Jet in Queenstown, New Zealand. Race through narrow canyons and thrilling rapids during this exhilarating 25-minute journey, where you'll be greeted with a safety briefing upon arrival at the jet boat base near the river. The tour offers an iconic adventure experience as it navigates fast-flowing waters amidst dramatic rock formations carved over thousands of years.
Experience thrilling high-speed action with sharp turns and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons on The Shotover River's extreme jet boat ride.
Navigate the twisting Shotover River at speeds up to 90km/h while skimming inches from towering canyon walls, a distinct experience only possible here due to exclusive permissions for jets in these canyons.
Takeed past dramatic gorges and monumental rock formations on turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, this ride offers exhilarating speed that makes your heart race.
Round-trip transfers are available from Queenstown, providing a convenient option for those seeking an effortless adventure experience.
'Kimi-ākau,' meaning ‘looking for the coast’ in Māori, is the name given to The Shotover River by early explorers who sought a western passage.
Entry to a 25-minute jet boat ride along the Shotover River
Access to high-speed adventure featuring 360° spins
Ticket includes life jackets
Use of complimentary round-trip transfers from Queenstown (based on selected option)
Individual Costs

Aerial view of tourists on Shotover Jet navigating a narrow canyon in New Zealand.
Your Adventure Awaits
Buckle up for a heart-pounding 25-minute journey on the Shotover River as you race through its canyons in one of Queenstown’s most thrilling jet boat rides. Experience high-speed spins and exciting rapids that will leave you exhilarated.
Getting Started
Your adventure begins at the designated base near the Shotover River, where staff check your booking details and conduct a brief safety orientation. Secure any personal items before gearing up with jackets for an memorable ride on this iconic river in Queenstown’s adventure scene.
The Thrill of the Shotover River
Known for its narrow canyons and swift currents, the Shotover River offers one of New Zealand's most celebrated adventures. Over millennia, water has sculpted dramatic rock formations into a natural playground perfect for high-speed jet boat escapades.
Features to Look Forward To
- Ride on a Jet Boat: Navigate the tight canyons at exhilarating speeds with expert pilots steering through sharp turns and shallow waters.
- 360-Degree Spins: Feel the thrill of full-circle spins that deliver an instant adrenaline surge.
- Spectacular Canyon Views: Marvel at the unique geology and rugged beauty as you speed past the Shotover River’s dramatic rock walls.
- Optional Queenstown Transfers: For added convenience, opt for roundtrip transfers from central Queenstown to enhance your adventure experience.

Tourists enjoying a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet through white water rapids.

Shotover Jet speeding through river with hills and lush greenery in the background.

Aerial view of tourists on Shotover Jet navigating a narrow canyon in New Zealand.

Tourists enjoying a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet through white water rapids.

Shotover Jet speeding through river with hills and lush greenery in the background.

Shotover Jet with tourists in lifejackets navigating narrow canyon in New Zealand.
What to bring
- Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor activities and varying weather conditions.
- A change of clothes is advisable as you might get wet during the ride.
Closed-toe, secure footwear should be worn.
What’s not allowed
- Oversized luggage such as large bags and suitcases are prohibited on board the boat.
- The consumption of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden before and during the ride.
- Pets cannot be brought along, with an exception for registered service animals.
Children under 5 years old are not permitted to join this experience.
Accessibility
- This adventure is not accessible by wheelchair.
Pregnant individuals and those with back, cardiac issues, or other serious medical conditions should avoid participating in the ride.
Additional information
- A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for guests.
- If Queenstown transfers are selected, please arrive at The Station Building 45 minutes before your jet boat departure. Note that this time includes a roughly 10-minute transfer each way, making the total experience duration about 1 hour and 45 minutes with return transfers included.
- Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time at the meeting point.
Safety equipment including life jackets will be provided by us.

Shotover Jet boat navigating through narrow canyon waters.

Shotover Jet navigating through narrow canyon waters.

Shotover Jet with tourists in lifejackets navigating narrow canyon in New Zealand.

Shotover Jet boat navigating through narrow canyon waters.

Shotover Jet navigating through narrow canyon waters.
Book at least a day in advance during peak season to ensure you secure a spot for this popular adventure.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a change of clothes as the ride can get wet; also wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
If opting for round-trip transfers from Queenstown, enjoy a hassle-free experience by sitting back and relaxing on your way to the adventure.
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