Are you entertaining the idea of jet boating in Queenstown, New Zealand? Here is everything you need to know to make this bucket list adventure a reality.
There are five major rivers which feed into Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. The Kawarau River feeds into Lake Wakatipu out of the Frankton Arm and is a popular river for jet boating in Queenstown due to its fast-flowing rapids, narrow canyons and scenic bridges.
The Shotover River is a 47mile (74km) long river carving its way through narrow canyons with numerous rapids and is another popular river for jet boating in Queenstown. The river flows from the Southern Alps and feeds into the Kawarau River.
You will cruise at high speed through the glacial blue waters surrounded by the natural beauty of the canyons for what is sure to be an exhilarating experience.
Jet Boating in Queenstown
Who to go with:
There are a few providers offering jet boating in Queenstown, each occupying different parts of the Shotover River and some taking you through parts of both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Below is a list of the current jet boating providers. Have a read through their websites to select the one that is the best fit for you.
You can also go jet boating on the Clutha River in Wanaka, which is about a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. I personally prefer jet boating in Queenstown for the scenery, but Wanaka could be worth looking into if you plan on doing the Roys Peak Track and run out of time in Queenstown.
We chose to go with Shotover Jet in Queenstown for our jet boating experience. They have exclusive access to the Shotover Canyons and the landscape is spectacular!
They are located on Arthurs Point Road which is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Queenstown. You can make your own way there or they offer a complimentary shuttle service leaving from The Station, on the corner of Camp & Shotover Streets, in Queenstown which will take you to the gorge and drop you back off in Queenstown once you are finished.
Plan to allocate about 2.5 hours for the whole experience. You’ll need to be there 30 minutes prior to your allocated time and rides last for about 25 minutes. This activity fits nicely in our 3-day Queenstown itinerary, with plenty of time to see other highlights in an around Queenstown.
Pricing & Sessions
Pricing and availability varies depending on the company so best check the website of your chosen provider for pricing options and availability.
Shotover Jet are open from 9am to 5pm daily, and have a few different pricing options including individual, family and combo deals. An individual pass starts at $159 NZD per adult, $89 NZD per child. A family pass is $407 NZD for a two adults and two children 15 years and under.
You can even combine a jet boat ride with the canyon swing, a scenic flight or 4WD off-road tour. Combo tours start from $364 NZD per adult.
Restrictions:
Shotover Jet has a minimum height requirement of 1 meter and is not recommended if you are pregnant. There is a scenic river base where guests can watch from. There are no age or weight restrictions, but all passengers must be able to fit into one of the life jackets provided, and minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Other companies may have different requirements so be sure to check with the company you choose and speak with them about any medical conditions you may have. Safety first!
What to bring:
You will be whipping down the river at high speeds and the wind can get intense. Sunglasses are highly recommended regardless of the weather. Tying up long hair is also recommended for the same reason so bring a hair tie. We went in winter and warm layers, a hat, gloves, neck gaiter and waterproof outer layer were essential. In summer you may also want to slap on some sunscreen.
Handheld cameras and video cameras are not permitted on the boats. You will want both hands to hold on anyway, trust me. Shotover Jet provided storage lockers to secure anything you will not be bringing on board.
What is provided:
You will be provided with a life jacket to wear during the ride and a storage locker to store your belongings. You may also want to bring a waterproof jacket if you are concerned about getting wet, although it’s all part of the fun.
They also offer video and photography packages that are available to purchase.
The facilities:
The facilities at the river base are clean and inviting with free Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor seating to watch the jet boats go by. The scenery is stunning so bring your camera (even through you will need to stow this in the locker for the ride). There is even a retail shop on site offering a range of souvenirs.
The ride:
The jet boat ride lasts for approximately 25 minutes and the excitement levels are high from the moment you step on the boat. You will glide at high speeds over shallow water before hitting 360-degree spins and getting up close and personal to the cliff faces of the jaw dropping Shotover Canyon. I had a huge grin from ear to ear the whole time!
The boats have tiered seating, so everyone gets a view. If you want to be more protected from the wind and water sprays, I recommend trying to get a seat in the middle of the boat. If you want the ultimate thrill-seeking experience sit in the front or along the sides.
Once you are done:
Once the ride was over, we handed in our life jackets and collected our belongings from the locker. We took a few minutes to take photos along the riverbank and waited until the next boat came down the river so we could get that iconic shot.
Each boat has a Jet Cam to capture the whole experience. You can view and purchase photos and videos right after the trip from the kiosks inside the retail store. There is also an online portal if you prefer to view and purchase photos and videos later.
Final thoughts
We had the best time jet boating in Queenstown. The ride on its own was thrilling, but the natural beauty of the river canyons and crystal blue waters surrounding us left us in awe. We hope this helps you plan your next adventure!
If you’re heading to Mt Cook next, check out our Queenstown to Mt Cook road trip guide featuring the best places to stop along the way!
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.