Thinking about going jet boating in Queenstown? With several operators to choose from, it can be difficult to know which experience is right for you.
Whether you want to speed through the narrow Shotover Canyons, explore multiple rivers, or combine your jet boat ride with white water rafting, this guide compares the main options and shares our experience with Shotover Jet to help you decide.
Queenstown is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience jet boating. Surrounded by towering mountains, glacial rivers and dramatic canyons, it’s an unforgettable adventure and one of the region’s most popular activities.
Quick Answer: Which Jet Boat Experience Is Best?
| If you’re looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| The classic Queenstown jet boat experience | Shotover Jet |
| Explore multiple waterways | KJet |
| One of the longest high-speed rides | Thunder Jet |
| Smaller groups and a more personal experience | Skippers Canyon Jet |
| A jet boat and rafting combo | Kawarau River Jet2Raft |
| A family-friendly adventure | Shotover Jet or KJet (check current height requirements) |
Short on time? If it’s your first visit to Queenstown, I recommend Shotover Jet. It has exclusive access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and delivers the iconic high-speed jet boating experience the region is famous for. If you’re looking for a longer adventure or want to combine activities, KJet and Jet2Raft are also excellent choices.
Why Go Jet Boating in Queenstown?
Jet boating was invented in New Zealand, making Queenstown one of the best places in the world to experience this uniquely Kiwi adventure. Drivers expertly navigate shallow rivers at speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph), performing thrilling 360-degree spins while weaving through narrow canyon walls.
Most experiences last between 25 minutes and an hour, making jet boating easy to fit into even a short stay in Queenstown. It’s also suitable in every season, with winter offering crisp blue-sky days and summer providing warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Which Jet Boating Company Should You Choose?
Queenstown has several excellent jet boating experiences, each offering something a little different. Some focus on adrenaline-filled rides through dramatic canyons, while others explore multiple rivers or combine jet boating with another adventure activity.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which experience is best for your trip.
| Experience | Best for | Highlights | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shotover Jet | First-time visitors | Exclusive Shotover Canyons and famous 360° spins | 25 min ride |
| KJet | Exploring multiple waterways | Lake Wakatipu plus the Kawarau & Shotover Rivers | Around 1 hour |
| Thunder Jet | Longer high-speed ride | Lake Wakatipu and an extended ride down the Kawarau River | 30 or 60 mins |
| Skippers Canyon Jet | Smaller groups | Historic canyon scenery | Varies |
| Kawarau River Jet2Raft | Adventure seekers | Jet boating plus Grade 2–3 rafting | Half day |
🚤 Shotover Jet
Best for: First-time visitors wanting the iconic Queenstown jet boating experience.
✔ Exclusive access to the Shotover Canyons
✔ Complimentary shuttle from central Queenstown
✔ Famous 360-degree spins
🚤 KJet
Best for: Visitors wanting to experience multiple Queenstown waterways.
✔ Travels on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River and the lower Shotover River
✔ Around 60 minutes on the water
✔ Convenient departure from central Queenstown
🚤 Thunder Jet
Best for: Travellers wanting one of the longest high-speed jet boat rides in Queenstown.
✔ Up to 60-minute experience
✔ Travels across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River
✔ Departs from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown
🚤 Skippers Canyon Jet
Best for: Travellers looking for a smaller, more personalised experience.
✔ Scenic ride through historic Skippers Canyon
✔ Smaller groups than the larger operators
✔ Great choice for those wanting something different
🚤 Kawarau River Jet2Raft
Best for: Adventure lovers wanting two experiences in one.
✔ 30-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu
✔ Grade 2–3 white water rafting on the Kawarau River
✔ Optional cliff jumping and rapid swimming
If you can’t decide between jet boating and white water rafting, the Kawarau River Jet2Raft experience combines two of Queenstown’s most popular adventure activities into one unforgettable trip.
After a thrilling jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu, you’ll transfer to a rafting trip down the scenic Kawarau River, tackling Grade 2–3 rapids including the famous 400-metre Dog Leg Rapid. Along the way you’ll pass historic gold mining sites, wineries and filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, before finishing with hot showers back at the rafting base.
Our Experience with Shotover Jet
We chose to go with Shotover Jet 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.
What to Expect
Duration
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.
Restrictions
Height requirements, age restrictions and medical advice vary between operators. Most providers require children to meet a minimum height and recommend that pregnant travellers do not participate. All participants are provided with life jackets, and minors must usually be accompanied by an adult.
Always check the latest requirements before booking, particularly if anyone in your group has a medical condition or mobility concerns.
What to bring
Packing for jet boating is simple. I recommend bringing:
- Sunglasses
- A hair tie if you have long hair
- Warm layers during winter
- Sunscreen during summer
- Comfortable, secure footwear
Handheld cameras aren’t permitted during the ride, but secure lockers are provided for your belongings.
What’s Included
Most operators provide a life jacket and secure lockers for your belongings. Professional photos and videos are usually available to purchase afterwards if you’d like a souvenir of your experience.
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 a retail shop on site offering a range of souvenirs.
The Ride
From the moment the driver accelerates away from the jet boat base, you’ll understand why this is one of Queenstown’s most popular adventure activities. Expect high speeds, tight turns, shallow water and plenty of 360-degree spins, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Shotover Canyons. 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.
After the Ride
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jet Boating in Queenstown
Is jet boating in Queenstown worth it?
Jet boating is one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventure activities and, in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth doing. The combination of high speeds, thrilling 360-degree spins and spectacular scenery makes it a unique experience you won’t find in many other places. Whether you’re speeding through the narrow Shotover Canyons or racing across Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River, the scenery is just as memorable as the adrenaline. It’s also a relatively short activity, making it easy to fit into even a busy itinerary, and one I’d happily recommend to first-time visitors to Queenstown.
Which jet boat ride is best?
The best jet boat ride depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If it’s your first visit to Queenstown, I recommend Shotover Jet for its exclusive access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and its famous 360-degree spins. KJet is a great choice if you’d like a longer ride exploring multiple waterways, while Thunder Jet offers one of the furthest high-speed rides on the Kawarau River. If you’re after something a little different, Skippers Canyon Jet provides a smaller group experience, and Kawarau River Jet2Raft is ideal if you’d like to combine jet boating with white water rafting.
How long does jet boating last?
The length of your jet boating experience depends on which operator you choose. The actual ride is typically between 25 and 60 minutes, although you should allow extra time for check-in, safety briefings and transport if required. For example, Shotover Jet recommends allowing around 2½ hours from start to finish, including the complimentary shuttle from central Queenstown. If you choose a combo experience such as Jet2Raft, you’ll need to allow around half a day to enjoy both the jet boat ride and the rafting adventure.
Will I get wet?
Most people stay surprisingly dry during a jet boat ride, although you may get splashed depending on river conditions, where you’re seated and the operator you choose. The excitement comes from the speed, sharp turns and 360-degree spins rather than getting soaked. On cooler days, it’s still worth wearing warm layers and bringing a waterproof jacket if you have one. If you’re doing the Jet2Raft experience, expect to get much wetter once you begin the rafting portion of the trip.
Is jet boating safe?
Yes, although any adventure activity comes with some risk, jet boating is considered a safe activity when operated by licensed commercial operators. Experienced drivers are specially trained to navigate shallow rivers at high speed, and all passengers receive a safety briefing and are provided with a properly fitted life jacket before the ride. Operators also have height requirements and other safety guidelines to help ensure the experience is suitable for participants. As with any adventure activity, it’s important to follow the crew’s instructions and check with the operator if you have any medical conditions or other concerns before booking.
Can children go jet boating?
Yes, children can usually go jet boating, provided they meet the operator’s minimum height requirement. The exact requirements vary between companies, so it’s always worth checking before you book. Children must wear a correctly fitted life jacket, and younger passengers generally need to be accompanied by an adult. Many families include jet boating as part of their Queenstown holiday, and operators such as Shotover Jet and KJet are popular choices for families with children who meet the minimum height requirements.
Final thoughts
Jet boating is one of the most iconic adventure activities in Queenstown and an experience I’d happily recommend to anyone visiting the region. Whether you choose the famous Shotover Jet, a longer ride with KJet, or a combined rafting adventure, you’re guaranteed spectacular scenery and plenty of adrenaline.
We loved our experience with Shotover Jet, particularly the dramatic scenery through the narrow Shotover Canyons, and it’s the option I’d recommend for first-time visitors.
If you’re planning more adventures while you’re in the area and not sure how to pull it all together, don’t miss my 3-Day Queenstown Itinerary. You can also check out my comprehensive Queenstown Travel Guide where I share more of my favourite experiences and travel tips.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Pin for later!
Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.