Outdoors in Queenstown
In a nutshell
A high-speed jet boat ride through narrow canyons.
Rating & popularity
#2 of 5
in our Queenstown guide
Visit duration
30 min
Usually no booking needed
Tourist load through the year
Best months: Oct, Nov
A high-speed jet boat ride through narrow canyons.
Wear warm clothing. Book ahead.
A jet boat ticket.
Related tours, tickets & activities
2,897 25 min
Prepare yourself for the ultimate jet boating experience with Shotover Jet - the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!
628 1 h
Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on the water than similar tours in the region. Leaving right from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, scream with delight as your jet boat zooms across Lake Wakatipu, spins in circles on the Kawarau River, and navigates the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Be prepared to have heart-racing fun on this roller coaster of a ride!
12 1 h
xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360° spins, spectacular scenery and personalised local commentary. Choose a 30-minute jet boat ride or go further on our 60-minute adventure, travelling a 47km round trip and venturing deep into the Kawarau River’s untouched wilderness and historic gold-mining areas. Thunder Jet’s 60-minute trip travels further down the Kawarau River than any other Queenstown jet boat experience. Reach exhilarating speeds of up to 95km/h as you skim across the water and experience the landscapes surrounding Queenstown from a completely different perspective. Perfect for families, couples, groups and adventure seekers of all ages, Thunder Jet delivers a uniquely Queenstown experience with more river, more adventure and music all the way.
374 4 h 30 min
Join our Queenstown Rafting team on the iconic Shotover River for a whitewater rapid adventure. Your adventure begins with a short transfer from Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where you'll be fitted with wetsuit, rafting clothing and safety gear. From there, enjoy a 40-minute drive along the historic Skippers Canyon Road, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and reputation as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads. Once you arrive at Deep Creek, you'll start on the upper section of the Shotover River, where our world class guides will help you practise paddling techniques. As you move into the lower canyon, the excitement builds with rapids like After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, and Sequel. The highlight of the journey comes as you plunge into the darkness of the 170-metre-long Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting into Cascade Rapid for a thrilling finish. After a short walk back to the Rafting Base, you can warm up with hot showers before returning to Queenstown.
26 30 min
Thunder Jet is the only jet boat provider who play music on their trips - your own personalised soundtrack! Also the only 30-minute jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, we guarantee an exhilarating jet boat ride along the stunning Kawarau River, where breathtaking landscapes meet thrilling speed. Reaching speeds of up to 95km/h while enjoying iconic 360º spins, you can choose between a 30-minute high-speed thrill or a 60-minute journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, complete with expert local commentary. With plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and a blend of fun and professionalism from the skilled Thunder drivers, this is an essential Queenstown experience.
Prices and availability are confirmed with our booking partner when you book.
Other tickets and tours for the same sights
30 min
A jet boat ticket.
Prices and availability are confirmed with our booking partner. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
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