Shotover and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride Queenstown
Overview
This one-hour jet boat ride in Queenstown is the classic New Zealand thrill. You leave from central Queenstown, race across Lake Whakatipu, then twist through the Kawarau River and the narrow Shotover River canyons at high speed with 360-degree spins. A safety briefing comes first and an experienced driver is at the wheel. Heated handrails keep you warm in cold weather, and the ride runs in most conditions. It suits couples, families with children old enough to fit the life jackets, and anyone who wants a short, fast adventure.
Highlights
- One-hour high-speed jet boat ride, departing from central Queenstown
- Speeds of up to about 95 km/h and thrilling 360-degree spins
- Two famous rivers: the Kawarau and the Shotover, plus Lake Whakatipu
- Views of The Remarkables and the surrounding mountains
- Heated handrails and an experienced driver, with a safety briefing before you go
- Rides run in rain or shine, so it is a good wet-weather activity
Full Description
Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown's waterfront
The ride begins in the centre of Queenstown, where you board a big yellow jet boat at the town pier. Lake Whakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake and the setting for the whole resort, with The Remarkables mountain range rising behind the water. A Queenstown jet boat ride starts with a burst of speed across the lake before you enter the rivers.
This first section lets you feel the power of the twin-engine boat and gives you a view of the town from the water. If you are asking what to do in Queenstown when you have only an hour, this ride is one of the most popular answers.
The Kawarau River gorge
From the lake you enter the Kawarau River, which flows out of Lake Whakatipu through a rocky gorge. The boat weaves close to boulders and cliffs, passes under bridges and speeds through narrow channels while the driver makes sudden turns that make passengers shout.
The Kawarau is a famous river in this part of New Zealand, and seeing it from a jet boat is very different from crossing it by road. The boat's shallow draft lets it go where ordinary boats cannot, and the ride is smooth in a way that surprises first-timers.
The Shotover River canyon and the 360-degree spins
The Shotover River is the second half of the ride. It is a narrow, shallow river cut through a rocky canyon, where gold was found in the 1860s, and it is ideal for a jet boat because the boat can skim over water only a few centimetres deep.
This is where the boat performs its 360-degree spins, and it is why people search for jet boat tours on the Shotover River. The whole ride covers around 45 kilometres, so it is fast but never rushed. Grip the heated handrails, keep your hands inside and face forward when your driver signals a spin.
Practical tips for your jet boat ride
The ride lasts about an hour and runs 365 days a year, rain or shine. Dress for the weather and remember that you will be moving fast: wear warm layers, a hat that will not blow off, and gloves in winter. Goggles or sunglasses that fit securely help too. Photos and videos of your ride are available to buy on site.
There is no height or weight limit, but you must fit into one of the life jackets, and the minimum age is two years. Children must fit the smallest life jacket. Transfers are not included, so meet at the pier in central Queenstown; the exact spot is on your voucher. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
Itinerary
- Meeting point in central QueenstownCheck in at the location shown on your voucher and put on your life jacket.
- Safety briefingYour driver explains the rules and hand signals before departure.
- Lake WhakatipuAccelerate across the lake toward the river mouth.
- Kawarau RiverRace past rocks and under bridges through the gorge.
- Shotover River canyonSkim the shallow channels and enjoy the 360-degree spins.
- Return to the pierHead back to the pier after about one hour, when photos and videos can be bought.
What's included
- 1-hour jet boat ride
- Safety briefing
- Experienced boat driver
Not included
- Photos and videos (available to buy on site)
- Hotel transfers
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
- Anyone who cannot fit into a life jacket
- Travellers with serious back or neck problems
Meeting point
Meet at the departure point in central Queenstown; the exact location is shown on your voucher after booking. Hotel transfers are not included, so plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes before your ride time to check in and get your life jacket. Big bags and luggage cannot be taken on board.
Important information
- Bring sunglasses or goggles, a hat that fits tightly, a camera or action camera, sunscreen and clothes for the weather.
- Keep a firm grip on your camera and phone; loose items can be lost at speed.
- There are no height or weight limits, but you must fit into one of the life jackets.
- The minimum age is two years, and children must fit the smallest life jacket.
- Rides run in rain or shine, all year, and heated handrails keep hands warm.
- Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
- Photos and videos are optional and are sold on site.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Shotover and Kawarau jet boat ride cost?
The price depends on the age of the guest and the time you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, transfers are not included. You meet at the departure point in central Queenstown, and the exact location is shown on your voucher.
How long is the jet boat ride?
The ride lasts about one hour, plus time for check-in and the safety briefing.
Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes, children from two years can ride if they fit into the smallest life jacket. Very young children may find the speed and spins intense.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear warm, weatherproof layers and closed shoes, and bring sunglasses or goggles and a hat that fits tightly. Leave luggage and large bags behind.
Does the ride run in the rain?
Yes, the jet boat ride runs rain or shine, 365 days a year, and heated handrails keep you warm in the cold.
Are photos and videos included?
No, photos and videos are available to buy on site after your ride. You can also bring your own camera if you hold it tightly.
How fast does the jet boat go?
It reaches speeds of up to about 95 kilometres per hour, and the driver performs 360-degree spins in the river canyons.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Same-day and next-day rides depend on availability. Check the booking panel for the earliest date that is open.
Is the ride safe?
Yes, the boat is driven by an experienced operator, everyone wears a life jacket, and a safety briefing is given before departure.
