KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 2 years
Please wear comfortable shoes, jacket and sun protection
Caregivers are required to assist drivers with carrying any disabled passengers down the stairs and on to the Jet boat. When carrying larger numbers, at least one caregiver must travel on the boat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Only KJet takes you on an insane 60 minute high speed adrenaline ride across three waterways traveling at speeds of up to 95kph in the fastest and meanest Jet boats in town. Throw in 45km of unforgettable thrills, 360 degree spins and exhilaration in one of the world’s most stunning locations, and blast across Lake Wakatipu and down the world-famous Shotover and Kawarau Rivers in water that's less than 5cm deep in some places. We've got kick ass skilled drivers, trained to the highest standard in the industry and are 100% Kiwi owned and operated. KJet is hassle free, departing every hour on the hour from the Main Town Pier, central Queenstown. Check in is 15 minutes prior to departure.
What‘s Included
Life vests supplied
Driver/guide
1-hour jet boat ride
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
60 minute Jet Boat Ride
Reviews
606 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super fun!
verity r,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Have waterproofs - you will get wet ! 😊 well worth the money, you are well looked after and the scenery is beautiful
Jet boat Queenstown
Bev L,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Make sure you take a hat and warm clothing. I got quite chilled even with warm clothing and rain jacket.
Fun, But Bumpy Ride
tandgreese,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This was a fun activity, and one for which Queenstown is famous! The spins were awesome, and the pilot was sure to warn us when they were about to occur. The staff graciously moved up our reservation by one hour at our request. The only drawback was that the water was pretty choppy, so the jet boat kept slamming down on the water over and over - so often that it became uncomfortable. And just an FYI - if you want to travel close to the canyon walls, you need to take the jet boat ride that departs from a different part of the Shotover River (further from downtown Queenstown).
Jet boat
603malcolma,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience . Lots of 360° turns. Highly recommended.
Puni - King of the rivers
RodO364,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one almighty high of an experience!! Puni our driver, was not only hot but wow he is a demon behind the wheel! Flying and turning with ease through the shallow reaches of the Shotover River and spinning like a top in the Kawarau River. Puni was also relaxed, chilled and super friendly. We can’t recommend this experience more. It will take your worries away for a full hour of adrenaline fuelled highs. Outstanding!
Jet boating
597jennyo,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, fun exhilarating and worth every penny!
Thrills at age 73
Deepak P,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an exciting joat ride with spins, high speeds. Bob is an experienced boat driver who manipulated the boat superbly. He also gave a lot of information about the rivers and the technicalities involved.
Exciting Kjet experience.
robertpF119PW,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat driver was very good. He made the experience exciting and in a safe manner. Highly recommended.
Amazing experience
rachelmG1254JI,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience! Great way to see Queenstown landscape.
Fun ride on the river
Neil K,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It's a fun ride up the river, and I enjoyed it. But it is not the famous Shotover canyon ride that I was expecting. Hindsight tells me that i should have booked a different trip - I assumed all "jetboat" rides on the Shotover river were the same, but this one does not go into the canyon, whereas some other rides do. If you are apprehensive about a jetboat ride being too extreme, this is probably a good one to go on - lots of spray, fun, spins, good-humored captain, while feeling safe. Also convenient that it leaves directly from downtown wharf.
From NZ$149.00
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Operated by KJet Queenstown