Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Must be able to swim
Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
Minimum weight 40kg
Maximum weight 120kg
Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
All travellers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
You must bring a swimsuit and towel
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
First your jet boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport, packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls as you discover the Kawarau River and it's pristine wilderness. After 30 mins jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of the river. Raft through grade 2-3 rapids, take in the beautiful views, choose to join in on the optional rock jumping section for added fun (1hr raft time) Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.
What‘s Included
Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
Use of hot showers
Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
Food and drinks
Options
Kawarau Jet to Raft
2 Iconic Activities: Pair two of Queenstown's most iconic activities. Jet Boat and grade 2-3 whitewater rafting experience on the Kawarau River
Reviews
164 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience, wish there more rapids
jameswP8974JB,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very professional and well run rafting experience. Guides were very particular about safety. Our guide Jess was great and steered our boat expertly. Wish there were more large rapids during the rafting.
Perfect trip
Tomer G,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome trip. From the check in, transportation, debriefing, equipment to the jet boat and the rafting, everything was well organised, very professional and with a lot of humour. The jet boat was fun and Dan gave us some 360 and showed a tip from the boat abilities. In the rafting part, the river was amazing and Josh, our guide, took us safely through swimming, rock jumping and rapids crossing with a lot of funny and interesting talks in between. It was perfect! Everyone in the family loved it😎
Whitewater rafting and jet boat
Experience442871,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun trip. Jess drove us down in the jet boat and we got some great view of the lake and Shotover river. Maria was a great rafting guide, and the whole team was super friendly.
Absolutely Loved Every Minute!!
Jose H,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience, all the guides were awesome, the river was gorgeous and we had so much fun!
Amazing
Humeira B,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I have been on river rafting experiences before but this was the best! The guides Nelly Harry and Jacob were amazing! Friendly and wanted us to have an exciting experience without compromising safety. First time I was able to get off the raft and experience a rapid .
Awesome
Sunshine68170325566,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really nice and fun. The river is beautiful, and the staff was awesome. Thanks!
This rafting trip...DO IT!
marciasails,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great combination! The jet boat ride disappointed but the rafting was terrific! Fun, professional and personable guides! We've experienced both venues before and the rafting was a must do!
You have to go on the river!
Anthony O,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an absolutely awesome experience! We did the Kawarau River rafting and jet boat with our family, ranging in age from 15 through to adult children, and it was a hit with everyone. The experience was thrilling without being intimidating, making it perfect for families with teens and adults alike. The water was exciting, the scenery was stunning, and the whole adventure was incredibly well run. Our guide was outstanding—fun, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe and confident while keeping the energy high. From start to finish, the team were professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. It felt like a really well-organised operation that genuinely cares about giving people a great experience. A fantastic company, an unforgettable adventure, and a real highlight of our Queenstown trip. Highly recommend for families looking for something fun, exciting, and memorable!
Brilliant
234LindaH,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an easy going and fun trip. Lovely guides well organised and entertaining. Jet boat was fast and exciting. Rafting was through gorgeous countryside, exciting and fun. Travelling with my daughter and we both enjoyed it greatly!
Great fun rafting in Queenstown
Theresa C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Booking, waivers, information was easily accessible on line. The Real NZ sent everything that was needed from waivers to confirmation. We felt well prepared and when we arrived, we were suited, and oriented for safety and off to jet boat in no time. We met the others after our jet boat and it was a blast. The only sad part is the pictures they took didn’t have any pictures of the rapids or boats going through them
From NZ$319.00
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