Queenstown Speedboat Tours: Our Top 14

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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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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet

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

Ride a twin V8 Thunder Jet across Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River at up to 95 km/h. Choose a short taste or full hour, with 360-degree spins, local commentary, mountain views, lockers, and a good chance of getting wet.

“The was fun, the driver was engaging, and the scenery was stunning. This is a must-do for anyone coming to Queenstown.”

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9.Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

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

Start in Queenstown with a fast jet boat ride on the Kawarau River, then paddle through the gorge in a raft. Expect grade 2-3 rapids, optional rock jumping, swimming, striking canyon views, and the 400-metre Dog Leg rapid. Guides including Gabe, Guy, Matt, Mark, Danny, and Zane have earned praise for safety and good humor.

“Excellent. Would recommend to anyone going to Queenstown. Great guides - Jacob was great out on the water!”

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10.Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

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

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a jet boat up the Dart River before paddling a Funyak downstream through chasms, pools, and calm channels. Guides supply wetsuits and safety gear, and a wilderness picnic lunch is included. The day ends with a back-road trip through Paradise Valley and famous 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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11.Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

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

Join RealNZ for a 4.5-hour Kawarau River adventure with a 25-minute jet boat ride, eight kilometers of grade 2 to 3 rafting, swimming, optional cliff jumping, and the 400-meter Dog Leg rapid. Guides such as Morgan, Jess, Nico, and Josh keep the day friendly and safety focused. Bring swimwear and a towel.

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

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12.Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

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

Take a two-hour wilderness jet boat ride on the Dart River, led by an English-speaking driver-guide such as Pedro, Finn, Simon, or Dean. Expect fast turns, glacier-fed water, World Heritage scenery, Maori legends, Greenstone trail stories, and Lord of the Rings filming locations. Add the Queenstown transfer for a scenic four-hour outing.

“All at top Level and great experience. Dart River is so beautiful. But beware of the sun. Sunblocker grade 50 is minimum. 🤘”

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13.30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $67 a head

Meet at 88 Beach Street for a 30-minute Thunder Jet ride on the Kawarau River. Your driver takes you along the river at up to 90 to 95km/h, adds sharp 360-degree spins, local commentary, and a rock soundtrack. Drivers including Matt, Chris, and Jess are known for friendly service. Expect spray, speed, and a return to the wharf.

“Wear a spray jacket and be prepared to get wet. Don't wear your hat and watch your driver for their signal they're going to do a 360. Matt was our driver and he was very cool. Made the ride even more enjoyable.”

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14.Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $207 a head

Start in Clyde with a briefing, e-bike, helmet, repair kit, and route support. Ride beside the Clutha River, cross the trail gap by jet boat or covered boat, then cycle to Roxburgh Dam. David and James are among the local hosts associated with nzbiketrails, with a maximum of 11 riders.

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