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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

Recommended by 94% of travellersBadge of ExcellenceQueenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Shotover Kawarau Rivers
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.
  • 1-hour jet-boat ride on Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River and Shotover River, from Queenstown
  • Zip around the scenic waterways of Queenstown on a thrilling high-speed jet boat adventure
  • Hold on as your expert driver spins the boat in 360-degree circles and fish-tails on the water
  • Take in stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and local life on the waterways
  • Choose from multiple tours throughout the day to suit your schedule
  • Includes safety briefing and all safety gear

What's Included

  • 1-hour jet boat ride
  • Driver/guide
  • Life vests supplied
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • KJet Queenstown
    Main Town Pier, Marine Parade, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand

    Please check in at the Main Town Pier 15 minutes before your scheduled Jet Boat departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Roar across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau and Shotover rivers on a 1-hour adrenaline-pumping jet-boat adventure, departing from the main pier in central Queenstown. After you receive wet-weather gear, a life jacket and a safety briefing, hold on for the 27-mile (45-km) jet-boat ride down some of New Zealand’s most scenic waterways.

First, zoom across pristine Lake Wakatipu and look up at the majestic Remarkables mountain range. From the mouth of the Kawarau River, glide past the Kawarau Dam and prepare for 360-degree spins before your driver expertly navigates the fast-moving currents of the narrow channels of the Shotover River, gaining speeds up to 59 mph (95 kph) in shallow water.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 2 years
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, jacket and sun protection
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Caregivers are required to assist drivers with carrying any disabled passengers down the stairs and on to the Jet boat. When carrying larger numbers, at least one caregiver must travel on the boat.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 140 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Questions?

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 6507KJET

Traveller Photos

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Featured review
Anonymous
Thoroughly enjoyed our ride. Our driver was professional, experienced and funny and allayed any hesitations we had

Reviews

4.7
511 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 511 reviews
Want a thrill??? This is it
Premila_V, Jan 2025
The captain of the boat was super skilled and very friendly and inclusive. It was thrilling. Got wet, but who cares, you are in water. It was the highlight of Queenstown for me and my husband.
So much fun
Graham_S, Jan 2025
Great experience. Who would have thought that getting a little wet could be so much fun. Kids loved it. Will do it again next visit to Queenstown.
This was probably the...
Jessica_O, Jan 2025
This was probably the best hour I’ve spent on a speed boat; such a nice/quick fun thing to do especially for sights & the thrill of a speed boat. You get a bit wet depending on where you sit but I couldn’t have done this in a more beautiful spot!
Kjet Experience
Christine_G, Jan 2025
Great experience over 2 rivers. The turns were amazing & good fun although we did get extremely wet at one point
Great experience
Andrew_M, Jan 2025
Brilliant experience. Unbelievable landscape. Great fun for kids and adults alike. Highly recommend.
Must do!!!
vickyshoebri, Jan 2025
Fantastic exoerience/ride. Our driver(sorry either Jack/Jake) was full of interesting facts and made us feel safe despite the thrill of the ride 🤣. Did this with my two adult children and they were smiling the whole time. Would highly recommend!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Fun ride for the whole family
James_H, Jan 2025
My father highly recommended a jet boat ride, so I booked one here on Viator with KJet. My 6 year old son thought it looked really fun from shore, but felt a bit apprehensive when he was aboard. The captain was very professional and focused on safety. In the end, my son had a blast as did my wife and I. I would just suggest having sunglasses or other eyewear as the high speeds can make your eyes uncomfortable without them.
Fun boat ride zipping around on the water!
CharlesF_M, Jan 2025
Fun outing zipping around on the water surrounded in New Zealand beauty! The boat we were on was a smaller one with 16 people total and it was great!
Loads of fun!
Fin_T, Jan 2025
Loads of fun, kids loved it too. Great driver. Loved the trip up the lake also. Very affordable. Would do it again!
Awesome jet ride
Hasnah_A, Jan 2025
Awesome and fun ride!! The captain was entertaining and accomodative. We had what we requested for more fun twists.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Excellent
Nageswari_s, Jan 2025
Ben the jet boat driver was excellent, and the trip itself was exhilarating. A slight downside was the boat was touch too crowded.
Jet Boat Ride
Elisabeth_S, Dec 2024
Super fun exhilarating boat ride experience! Landscape was beautiful. Lots of fast spins on boat. Not a great option for those with motion sickness.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great time!
anne_k, Dec 2024
Sam took us on the best tour -the water was a bit shallow but he navigated the hell outta that river. We got wet, had a bunch of laughs and would definitely go again Highly recommend
Exhilarating Ride
Ulrike_R, Dec 2024
Fun and exhilarating, bring your GoPro to capture the ride. Ride was scenic at high speeds. Perfect weather.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi, Thank you so much for leaving a great review! We love that you had an exhilarating experience and look forward to welcoming you back for more thrills in the future. Many thanks KJet Queenstown
Value for money
Anu_D, Nov 2024
It was quite thrilling. This was first experience and has become a memorable one. It was made sure there were enough twists and turns and 360 degree rotation.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Anu, It is wonderful to hear that your experience with us at KJet was a memorable one and we are grateful for the review! We hope to welcome you back in the future for more 360's and thrills. Many thanks, KJet Queenstown
Boat load of fun
Bala_s, Nov 2024
Boatloads of fun with Spectacular 360 spin and stunts but done safely with clear sign notice of what stunt is to come so that every one was prepared. You do get little bit of splash, so be prepared to get wet with either water proof dress or a poncho.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hi, We are very thrilled to read your review and really enjoy that you had "Boatloads of fun". We are glad you appreciate the signals our driver gave you; safety and enjoyment are our top priorities! And yes, a little splash adds to the adventure of Jet Boating : ) We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Queenstown and hope to welcome you back for another adventure. Many thanks KJet Queenstown
Superb experience
Namarata_T, Oct 2024
It's a must try adventure. We tried it first time. My boys age 6 & 11 had an absolutely amazing time at jet boat ride.Had very trained people at riding the boat who make sure at every stage we are comfortable and enjoying our ride.Highly recommended.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great time
Pat_M, Oct 2024
Great time They were excellent in safety and directions on what to expect. Lots of fun saw some beautiful scenery explained why the color of the water was different.
Great fun
Peter_j, Oct 2024
Our pilot Jack was awesome Very informative and could drive We absolutely loved the whole trip Fast and exciting adventure
Had the best time. Charles and his team were awesome.
Carol_W, Oct 2024
Doing 360 degrees spins in the jet boat was so much fun and speeding on the water swerving in and out. The scenery was amazing. Charles made all of us laugh.
1 traveler found this review helpful
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From US$81.25

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

- Secure your spot while staying flexible

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