On the water · JET BOAT RIDES IN NEW ZEALAND

The 15 Best Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand

44 trips  ·  from $35 a head

Every trip has one spare day. These 15 jet boat rides in New Zealand justify it, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing a dry bag.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Duke Street to the river base
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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 $113 a head Our pick

Take a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skimming shallow water, passing sheer cliffs, and spinning through full 360-degree turns. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with entertaining local commentary from skilled drivers such as Peter, Joe, Paul, or Matt. A downtown Queenstown shuttle, lifejacket, and locker access are provided.

“Wakes you up for the day!! Well worth the outlay, helpful staff, and our driver Paul was very skilled and welcoming.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Crossing Lake Wakatipu at full speed
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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 a head

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour, 45-kilometre jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Your English-speaking pilot handles speeds up to 95 kilometres per hour, tight turns, and 360-degree spins. Heated handrails help in cold weather, but expect spray, especially in the corner seats.

“What a fun and wild ride. Didn't matter that it was cold and rainy. The guide stopped at times to check in and make sure everyone was having fun. Dress in your rain gear best”

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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo - Surfing the Nga Awa Purua rapids
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Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

3.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89 a head

Set out from Rapids Jet near Aratiatia Scenic Reserve for a 35-minute Waikato River ride. Your guide pilots an 11-seat jet boat through Nga Awa Purua rapids, narrow canyons, and fast spins, with commentary on local wildlife, film locations, and river history. Jacob, Shannon, and Taylah are among the guides praised for skilled driving and lively narration.

“Fun and informative about the river. Jacob was a great driver. Photos that were taken are terrific.Thanks guys.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - The short trip from Queenstown
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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

4.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

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

Join Shotover Jet for a 25-minute high-speed ride through the Shotover Canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown. Drivers such as Paul, Matt, Will, Missy, and Joe mix sharp handling, 360-degree spins, and commentary on local history, geology, and Maori culture. Expect cold wind, dramatic rock walls, and a surprisingly manageable amount of spray.

“Great fun and a good way to start our introduction to Queenstown.”

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Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience - The 30-minute route along the Waikato River
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Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

5.Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89 a head

You’ll race along the Waikato River at up to 80 km/h, skim past cliffs and hot springs, and reach the base of Huka Falls by jet boat. Your English-speaking driver, such as Scott, Ricki, Chopper, or Tee, handles the boat and adds local commentary. Expect sharp 360-degree spins, strong wind, and a very good chance of getting wet.

“Wow what an exhilarating experience, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our driver was fantastic, really ensured we had the most thrilling experience. Beautiful scenery along the way and some brilliant spins.”

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - The scenic road is a real part of the adventure
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

6.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

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

You’ll travel from Queenstown along the perilous Skippers Road with an English-speaking guide, pause for canyon views, then take a 30-minute jet boat ride through the upper Shotover River. Guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, and Rob are known for lively commentary, while skilled boat drivers handle close canyon turns and full spins.

“The two guide were great. The coach ride was interesting and the jet boat a lot of fun”

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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - The ride to Queens Reach
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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

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

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

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by jet boat along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect warm gear, local stories, three *Lord of the Rings* filming locations, native birds, a short guided walk, high-speed turns, and 360-degree spins. Boats carry no more than 11 people, with morning and afternoon departures.

“Words can’t describe how beautiful this place is!! Not only we got to do super fun spins but we got to see one of the most beautiful parts of the world! Our guide was great fun and very informative. We then went on a little nature walk through what I thought was a magical Forrest!! This is a must!!”

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Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo - What the 360-degree spins feel like
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Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

8.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · from $94 a head

Ride a 30-minute jet boat from 200 Karetoto Road along the Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls. Expect high-speed runs, 360-degree spins, power brakes, local commentary, and an eye-level view of the 11-meter falls. Drivers such as Scott, Ricki, Arthur, and Rocky are known for skilled driving and lively hosting. You return to the same meeting point.

“Fantastic experience. Thrilling. I love boat rides and this was one of the best. Driver was great and very skilled.”

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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - What the 360-degree spins actually feel like
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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

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

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

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River, and the Shotover River. Your captain handles speeds up to 95 km/h, tight turns, shallow water, and 360-degree spins. You’ll get mountain views, plenty of spray, and a safety briefing before setting off. Children from age two can ride with an adult.

“A blast. Expect to get splashed, maybe wetter in a couple seats, but no need for extreme protection.”

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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - What the 45-kilometre Dart River ride feels like
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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

10.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

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

From Queenstown, ride to Glenorchy, then board a jet boat for a 45-kilometre journey through Mt Aspiring National Park. Expect fast turns, shallow braided channels, waterfalls, and clear commentary on native plants, wildlife, Māori traditions, and early pioneers. Guides such as Jordan, Pedro, Dean, and John are praised for safe, entertaining driving.

“Fun experience. Definitely get the splash jacket because the way back is chilly if you are wet. Driver Andrew made the route interesting.”

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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - Switching from speed to the funyak
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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

11.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

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

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometres upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through side streams, rock pools, and chasms. Guides such as Rob, Nikki, JJ, and Ella lead the day. Gear, lunch, drinks, and return transport are included.

“I knew this would be fun, but this was so much more than what I was expecting. I enjoyed every single second of this experience. I can't imagine it being any better!”

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Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka - Pat, the boat crew, and the small-group advantage
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Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

12.Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · from $98 a head

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River. Guide Pat mixes 360-degree spins and sharp turns with stories about gold mining, the river, and the Upper Clutha Valley. The tour includes live commentary, photo stops, and pickup from Albert Town or your Wanaka accommodation if arranged.

“Our guide was great and we had a blast with the spins and quick turns! Thanks for all the history of the river and the area - great fun!”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - Mount Aspiring National Park beyond the boat
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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

13.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215 a head

Travel from Wanaka into Mount Aspiring National Park by shuttle and jet boat. You will speed over shallow river braids, try controlled spins, then take a 50-minute guided walk through beech forest to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Guides such as Ben and James add local stories. The tour suits reasonably fit participants aged four and up.

“It's totally worth the money, our jet boat driver Ben was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Importantly he is a master of his art - controlling a jet boat.”

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Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River - Following the Wānaka Outlet into the Clutha River
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Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

14.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $83 a head

Join LakeLand Wanaka for a 60-minute jet boat ride from the Wānaka lakefront into the Clutha River. Expect mountain views, shallow water, rapids, tight channels, tunnels, high-speed turns, and Hamilton Spins. Guides such as Matt, Max, Amber, and Sarah combine local stories with confident boat handling. Small groups are limited to 10 people.

“This was a great excursion - definitely worth the $. We were fearful of the threatening weather - but they were flexible and provided the option to just cruise the river and we avoided the pounding waves on the Lake. Our guide was incrediblRead more”

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Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs - The steep walk to the river
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Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs

15.Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 191 reviews · from $80 a head

Meet Amuri Jet Adventures outside Hanmer Springs for a fast, family-run ride through the Wairau River canyon. Your guide handles the boat, safety gear, local stories, 360-degree Hamilton spins, rapids, braids, and shallow runs. The full activity takes about one hour, with free ride photos provided afterward.

“Brendon took us for a great ride in his jet boat getting close the rocks and the overhanging trees. Great fun. Access to the boat down a steep ramp was daunting but needed the help of a rope. Not suitable for those who find walking difficult. Brendon pointed out points of interest in between spinning the boat on its axis. Wonderful👍😁”

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New in Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand

★ 5.0Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:WanakaFrom $35326 reviews
★ 5.0Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & LunchFrom $2663 reviews
★ 5.0Katoa Jet Boat & Lake Rotoiti Hot PoolsFrom $1118 reviews
★ 5.0Katoa Jet Boat tour on Lake RotoruaFrom $67112 reviews
★ 5.030-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat AdventureFrom $679 reviews
★ 5.0Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle IncludedFrom $2078 reviews
★ 5.0Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet BoatFrom $2913 reviews
★ 4.5Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With Jet BoatFrom $2472 reviews
★ 4.0Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet BoatingFrom $17354 reviews
★ 4.7Taumarunui: Railcart and Jetboat Adventure with lunchFrom $2866 reviews
★ 5.0Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local GuideFrom $14321 reviews
★ 4.9Paihia: Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat TripFrom $5358 reviews
★ 4.5Hanmer Springs: River Jet Boat RideFrom $776 reviews
★ 4.9Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure TourFrom $3581 reviews
★ 4.8Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike ComboFrom $16710 reviews

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