New Zealand · QUEENSTOWN JET BOAT RIDES

Queenstown Jet Boat Rides: 15 Rivers and Canyons Compared

22 tours  ·  from $65 a head

Shotover canyon walls at arm’s length, Kawarau rapids, or the long braided Dart River out of Glenorchy. The 15 rides below compare river, time on the water and the pickup that gets you there.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - What the ride feels like in cold or wet weather
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

1.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Our pick

From Queenstown, take a shuttle to the Shotover River for a 25-minute high-speed ride through narrow canyons and white-water rapids. Your captain handles the close turns and 360-degree spins, with local stories along the way. The ride suits children from age five who meet the height rule, and you may get splashed.

“One of the best thrilling experiences my family did on this trip. They wouldn't mind doing it again! An engraved core memory for my kids.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Shallow channels on the Shotover
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

2.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Board KJet’s yellow twin-engine jet boat at Main Town Pier for an hour on Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kilometers per hour, shallow-water runs, and 360-degree spins, with a skipper such as Sam, Reuben, Charles, or Jack at the helm. Bring clothes you do not mind getting wet.

“Great location easy for visitors, guide was great and funny. Thrilling ride while getting to see magical scenery!!! Would recommend”

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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - A 25-minute run through narrow canyon walls
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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

3.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

Take a 25-minute jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown by road. Expect white-water runs, close passes by rock walls, and 360-degree spins, with a driver-guide sharing local history, geology, and Māori culture. The ride is $107 per person, with Queenstown transport available as an option.

“Such fun. So easy to access and fun for our family. Great experience, beautiful scenery, high adrenaline. Would highly recommend doing this activity.”

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - The Shotover River turns the scenery into action
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

4.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

This three-hour trip pairs a guided drive along Skippers Road with a 30-minute jet boat ride through narrow Shotover River canyons. Expect steep drops, gold-mining stories, 360-degree spins and a break near Pipeline Bungy. Transport, life jackets and spray jackets are included; bring warm layers and use the toilet before departure.

“Booked this last May, did it again this September. This experience is one of the best things to do in NZ!! Safe drive all the way”

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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - A short forest walk in Fiordland National Park
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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

5.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127

From Te Anau, take a two-hour jet boat trip along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect high-speed turns and 360-degree spins, pauses for local stories and Lord of the Rings filming locations, and a short guided walk in Fiordland National Park. Spray coats and life jackets are supplied, with warm gear available when needed.

“Alex was awesome. Such a good time and informative. We really enjoyed the trip and it was well worth it :)”

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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - Across Lake Wakatipu toward the Remarkables
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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

6.KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 590 reviews · from $92

From central Queenstown, KJet takes you across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover rivers, with high-speed runs and 360-degree spins. The one-hour ride reaches up to 95 km/h, pairs mountain and river views with a lively captain, and suits children aged two and up. Bring a warm, waterproof layer: spray is part of the trip.

“Super great guide and lots of fun! Was great to go on the lake as well as the two rivers. Prepare to get a little wet tho from the spray.”

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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - Glenorchy marks the edge of the wilderness
National Parks, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

7.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then jet boat through the braided, glacier-fed Dart River in Mt Aspiring National Park. Your guide shares stories about local Māori history, early pioneers, native plants and wildlife. Expect fast turns and spins, dramatic mountain views, and a half-day outing that can include round-trip transport.

“Fantastic experience from beginning to end. The coach ride was good & it travels through some amazing scenery as it follows the lakeside to Glenorchy. All the staff we encountered were friendly and professional. The Jet Boat ride itself was a truly amazing experience and made even better by our driver/tour guide Jordan. He was very professional and shared lots of interesting stories throughout the trip. The ride was also thrilling with lots of 360 degrees spins and fast paced racing over the narrow Dart River. We 100% recommended this trip and this company.”

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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - A funyak is more active than its name suggests
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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

8.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Ride a jet boat upriver into Mt. Aspiring National Park, then paddle a stable inflatable funyak past side streams, rock pools, and a gorge. Guides such as Nikki, Rob, and Ella lead the trip, with gear, picnic lunch, and soft drinks included. You can take a return coach from Queenstown or meet the group in Glenorchy.

“We had an amazing trip! All of the staff were upbeat and knowledgeable! Ellie and JJ were an absolute blast. The sand flies were a pest but not enough to make the trip bad. Our favorite park was kayaking into the chasm and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters before lunch. Highly recommend this duo trip of jet boat and funyak to experience all the Dart river has to offer!”

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Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet - Lake Wakatipu brings the big views
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Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

9.Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 175 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $65Best value

Thunder Jet takes you across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River in a V8-powered boat, reaching up to 95 km/h and spinning through tight 360s. Choose a shorter ride or a full hour, with an English-speaking driver-guide sharing local stories. Expect dramatic views of The Remarkables, sharp turns and the chance of getting wet.

“Matthew was awesome and lots of fun. He told us all about the surroundings. Loved the 360’s”

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Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat - From Queenstown toward the Kawarau Gorge
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Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

10.Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · from $197

Ride a jet boat from Queenstown toward the Kawarau River rafting put-in, then paddle grade 2 to 3 rapids with a guide. The 4.5-hour trip includes wetsuit gear, safety instruction, an optional rock jump, and the 400-meter Dog Leg rapid. You must be able to swim and weigh between 40 and 120 kilograms.

“Went with some friends on Easter break and it was a great time! Only downside was one of our friends’ boyfriend was over the weight limit when we checked in at the store for our shuttle, however there were people who met us on site who looked likely to have been over the limit as well which was upsetting. However, Jess was a lot of fun and the pictures Will took turned out great! The wetsuits kept us surprisingly warm and overall it was good.”

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From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip - Get kitted out before heading onto the Dart
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From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

11.Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 148 reviews · 390 - 510 minutes · from $256

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a jet boat up the Dart River before paddling back downstream in an inflatable Funyak. Guides provide the gear, lead you through river scenery and chasms, and serve a buffet lunch. The day ends with a backroad trip through Paradise Valley, known for film locations.

“A fantastic day in a wilderness area. Our guides, Ellie and Wolfgang, were thoroughly professional and very organised. Overall leader Georgia was excellent as well. Rockburn Chasm was the highlight of the day. Lunch on the edge of the river was fabulous as well. Thanks to all at Dart River Adventures.”

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Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride - Getting suited up and briefed
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Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

12.Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 4h 30m · from $190

Ride a jet boat from Queenstown to the Kawarau River, then raft 8 kilometers of rapids with an experienced guide. Expect calm stretches for swimming, a 400-meter run through Dog Leg rapid, and an optional cliff jump. The 4.5-hour outing suits confident swimmers age 13 and older, with wetsuits and safety gear provided.

“Excellent and friendly staff that gave us confidence to complete the ride ,the safety instructions were also excellent.”

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Fiordland Jet Boat and Biking Combo from Te Anau - A Short Nature Walk in Fiordland National Park
Queenstown Bike Tours, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Te Anau Tours, Tour Reviews

Fiordland Jet Boat and Biking Combo from Te Anau

13.Fiordland Jet Boat and Biking Combo from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · from $158

Join a small group of up to 11 for a four-hour Fiordland outing: jet boat along the Upper Waiau River and Lake Manapouri, a guided nature stroll, then a 10 km cycle back to Te Anau. Bikes, helmets, spray coats and life jackets are included. Guides such as Harry, Alex and Lindy have led trips.

“Fantastic! Harry was our guide, did a fabulous job, very informative, great personality, truly made our trip an A+”

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From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience - Maori stories and film country give the ride its character
National Parks, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

14.Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 123 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $178

From Glenorchy, a local driver-guide takes you up the glacier-fed Dart River on Queenstown’s longest jet boat experience, then back through Mt Aspiring National Park scenery and Lord of the Rings filming country. Expect fast turns, wind and spray, plus stories about Maori heritage and the Greenstone trail. Choose the four-hour option for Queenstown transfers or drive yourself for the two-hour outing.

“Fantastic day. Weather was great . Mac our driver down to dart river was fun and very knowledgeable. Scenery fantastic. Arrived at Dart River and there our Jet Boat commander, Jordan, was waiting. He was fun but very professional in what he does. Love the jet boats and can't wait to do it again.”

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Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau - The Waiau River, with speed and pauses
Queenstown Hiking Tours, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Te Anau Tours, Tour Reviews

Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

15.Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 97 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

From Te Anau, take a short bus ride to the Waiau River for a 75-minute jet boat run with high-speed spins, quiet photo stops, and views of Lake Manapouri. Then walk for 15 minutes among ancient beech trees in Fiordland National Park. Local guides, including Jade, Sean, and John, have led trips with a mix of local stories and thrills.

“The trip was truly exceptional. Chris was incredibly informative and a lot of fun. We HIGHLY recommend this really fun and informative outing.”

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