New Zealand · JET BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand

37 tours  ·  from $35

The jet boat was invented here to run shallow braided rivers, and the ride has barely changed. The 15 below compare Shotover, Kawarau, Huka Falls and Dart River on length, price and how much canyon you actually get.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Duke Street to the river base
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Ride a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees beneath sheer cliffs. Your driver provides local stories and handles the technical river work. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown and optional photos for purchase.

“Whole experience was very professional. Our bus driver was lovely, so was our boat driver. The ride in the boat was thrilling and location of experience was excellent. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Lake Wakatipu sets the pace
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, 1-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, 360-degree spins, heated handrails, and views of the Remarkables. Guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles add clear safety advice and lively commentary.

“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo - Nga Awa Purua rapids and the clear-water setting
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

3.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

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

Take a 35-minute jet boat ride on the Waikato River from Aratiatia Scenic Reserve. Your guide handles the narrow canyon, Nga Awa Purua rapids, fast runs, and 360-degree spins while explaining local wildlife, history, and film locations. Shannon, Jacob, and Taylah are among the guides praised for their driving and commentary. Expect a thrilling ride and some spray.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - From Queenstown to the river base
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

4.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

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

Ride with Shotover Jet through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown. Your driver handles rapids, rocky outcrops, and famous 360-degree spins at speeds up to 90kmh. The 25-minute ride includes safety gear and commentary on local history, geology, and Maori culture. Add a Queenstown shuttle if you do not want to drive.

“Fun exhilarating and exciting. I have done before but this time with grandchildren . I would definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience - The Waikato River provides the setting
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

5.Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

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

Hold on for a 30-minute jet boat ride from Wairakei to the base of Huka Falls. You’ll race along the Waikato River at up to 80 km/h, make sharp 360-degree spins, and hear local stories from guides such as Scott, Ricki, Chopper, and Tee. Wear warm clothes and expect to get wet.

“Terrific! It was adventurous, full of fun and wet wet. We truly enjoyed it and it was worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - The ride into Skippers Canyon
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

6.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

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

Take a guided minibus ride along Skippers Road, a narrow route carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River, then board a jet boat for 30 minutes of fast runs, close canyon turns, and 360-degree spins. Guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, and Rob add local history and humor. Allow three hours, and bring warm layers, water, and a camera.

“Tour guide and boat driver both so great!! Amazing activity”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - Lake Manapouri brings the quietest moment
Boat Tours in Te Anau, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, National Parks, Te Anau Tours, Tour Reviews

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

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by powerful jet boat along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect three Lord of the Rings filming sites, native forest, a short guided walk, high-speed turns, and 360-degree spins. Warm gear is supplied, and boats carry no more than 11 people.

“It was a great experience. Skipper Harry was fun and informative. I would definitely recommend. Only regret is that I wish we had added the biking extension option.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo - Why the spins make the ride memorable
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

8.Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo

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

Take a 30-minute jet boat ride from Wairakei along the Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls. Your local driver-guide handles high-speed turns, power brakes, and 360-degree spins while sharing facts about the river and falls. Expect close views, spray, and a good chance of getting wet.

“The jet boat was a lot of fun. Very exhilarating, lots of spins and very wet! Don't sit behind the driver if you want to stay dry.”

Check availability →Read our full review

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - Starting at Main Town Pier
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Your driver handles fast turns, shallow water, fishtails, and 360-degree spins, with views of the Remarkables. Drivers such as Puni, Jack, Ben, Anton, and Reuben are praised for clear safety guidance and good humor.

“This is a fun ride! If you like speed and spins you will enjoy! Enjoy the views along the route! You will get wet so be ready!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - Glenorchy and the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

10.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

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

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then board a jet boat for a 45-kilometre run along the glacier-fed Dart River. Guides such as Jordan, Pedro, Dean, and John combine fast turns and 360-degree spins with stories about Māori culture, early settlers, native plants, and wildlife. The ride is scenic rather than nonstop extreme sport.

“John our captain was incredible I felt safe and the scenery was dramatic. Such a cool experience on the river”

Check availability →Read our full review

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - The jet boat covers 30 kilometers in style
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometers upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Guides such as Rob, Nikki, Ella, and Jordan lead the trip, which includes lunch, wetsuits, fleece, booties, and a dry bag. Expect thrilling water, quiet river channels, and some physical effort.

“The jet boat was 10/10. It was thrilling but also felt safe. The funyaks were hard work. Not as easy or as relaxing as I expected. At a few points we had to drag the funyaks over rocks for approximately 10 meters. It was a full body workout, Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka - Starting in Albert Town, just outside Wanaka
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

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

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River. With space for no more than nine people, Pat and the crew combine fast turns, 360-degree spins, photo stops, and stories about local gold-mining history. Meet in Albert Town, or ask about pickup from Wanaka accommodation.

“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - What the jet-boat ride is really like
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

13.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

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

Travel from Wanaka into Mount Aspiring National Park by jet boat, racing over shallow river braids and spinning through deep pools before a 50-minute guided walk to forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Local guides such as Ben and James share stories about the mountains and film locations. The four-hour trip suits people with moderate fitness.

“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River - The guides add more than driving skill
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

14.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

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

You’ll leave Lakeland Wanaka on Ardmore Street for a 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wānaka and down the Clutha River. Expect speeds above 80kph, shallow channels, rapids, tree-lined turns, tunnels, and Hamilton Spins. Guides such as Matt, Max, Amber, and Sarah combine driving skill with local stories about the river and its ecosystems.

“Exciting spins,engaging storytelling by friendly Max and breathtaking scenery.Perfect family adventure.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs - Stop 1: Amuri Jet on the Wairau River
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hanmer Springs Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs

15.Amuri Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs

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

Meet Amuri Jet Adventures outside Hanmer Springs for a one-hour outing built around a 35-minute Wairau River jet boat ride. Your driver takes you through canyons, braids, rapids, shallows, and the famous Hamilton spin, while sharing local stories and pointing out the earthquake fault line. Chris and Brendon are among the named drivers.

“We all enjoyed our jet boat adventure. The spins and rush of water along the gorge was great. Our party of 5 had fun”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Jet Boat Tours

★ 5.0Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpineFrom $3758 reviews
★ 4.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet BoatingFrom $14829 reviews
★ 5.0Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet BoatFrom $2913 reviews
★ 5.0River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local GuideFrom $14321 reviews
★ 4.7Taumarunui: Railcart and Jetboat Adventure with lunchFrom $2866 reviews
★ 4.6Jet Sprint Boat, Ultimate Off-Roader & ShootingFrom $2444 reviews
★ 4.9Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat TripFrom $5358 reviews
★ 4.5River Jet Boat RideFrom $776 reviews
★ 4.8Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike ComboFrom $16710 reviews
★ 4.9Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat RideFrom $8629 reviews
★ 5.0Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:WanakaFrom $35326 reviews
★ 5.0Jet Sprint Boating, Ultimate Off-Roading & Clay Target ShootingFrom $25318 reviews
★ 4.5Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchFrom $14516 reviews
★ 4.0Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet BoatingFrom $17354 reviews
★ 4.9Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure TourFrom $3581 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours267Sailing33Canoes & Kayaks80Whale Watching26Dolphin Watching24Shore Excursions59Ferry Tickets7
Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.

On the water

Boat TripsWhale WatchingJet BoatsKayakingSailing Trips

Volcanic country

Geothermal ParksMaori ExperiencesHot PoolsGlowworm CavesRafting

The alps

Glacier ToursScenic FlightsHelicopter TripsStargazingGuided Walks

Food and wine

Wine TastingsFood ToursBreweriesGin DistilleriesDining