Christchurch Speedboat Tours: Our Top 6

1.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $148 a head Our pick

Spend six and a half hours touring Christchurch with a local driver-guide, visiting Mona Vale, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, and the Port Hills before a 20 to 30 minute jet-boat ride on the shallow Waimakariri River. Guides such as Joseph, Diana, and Scotty add local stories, while port transfers protect your return to the ship.

“We had a great excursion. Scotty picked us up at the Port in Lyttleton and we took the scenic route to Christchurch. Scotty is very knowledgeable and entertaining. We were able to explore the central business district on our own for 90 minutes and then went to our afternoon excursion, Jet Boating. The only thing to be aware of (or double check), we were on a bus with about 40 people. We were not expecting that. All went well, but would have been nice to know we were going to be part of a large group. Scotty is A+”

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2.Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $145 a head

Spend about 8.5 hours traveling from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, with a 30-minute jet-boat ride through Waiau Gorge, lunch at the Tea Kiosk Café, and 90 minutes in the thermal pools. Guide Jeff has led especially well-received outings, and the trip includes hotel pickup, drop-off, transport, and lunch.

“We had a wonderful time touring NZ's South Island. The staff throughout were really helpful and we felt that people really cared that we were enjoying the experience. The South Island has a first rate tourist scene and fabulous natural beauty spots to enjoy.”

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3.Waimakariri River Jet Boating from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · from $121 a head Best value

You’ll leave central Christchurch by hotel shuttle, cross the Canterbury Plains, and board a jet boat on the braided Waimakariri River. Choose a short Lower Waimak ride, a gorge trip, or a longer canyon safari. Your captain handles the spins, tight turns, and shallow-water runs, with Chris among the guides named in guest feedback.

“It was really good and exciting and the views were so stunning but I thought a little risky with the boat so close to the rocks.”

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4.Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $375 a head Top rated

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small group of up to 16, with a 30-minute jet boat ride, Castle Hill, alpine lakes, Devils Punchbowl Falls, and a return journey on the TranzAlpine. Guide Joseph has earned praise for his insight. Expect changing mountain weather and a full 10-hour day.

“Enjoyed this tour. I absolutely recommend doing it including the jet boat and alpine train for return! It might seem a bit boring without.”

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5.Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $291 a head

Fly from Christchurch over the Canterbury Plains and braided Waimakariri River, then land near the water for a 20-minute jet boat ride called *The Braided Blast*. A licensed pilot and professional jet boat driver handle the action. The small group, maximum six, returns by helicopter to 73 Grays Road.

“Felt like a rockstar getting choppered into the boats 😂 Beautiful seeing Christchurch from the sky The river is so clear and beautiful Would definitely do it again ❤️”

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6.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $247 a head

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small group of up to 16, with a 30-minute jet boat ride near Springfield, stops at Castle Hill, alpine lakes, Otira Viaduct Lookout, and Cave Stream, plus a walk to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall. Guide Francoise has led the trip, and weather-ready clothing is essential.

“A wonderful experience fantastic scenery.Jet boat ride was exilirating . Friendly service with a great tour guide Francoise. Thank you.”

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