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
172 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Must-Do in Queenstown – Unforgettable Cliff Jump, Jet Boat & Rafting Adventure!
629wenjingc,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best day of my Queenstown trip! I finally checked cliff jumping off my bucket list, followed by a refreshing swim in the clear water. The sunny weather made everything feel perfect and full of life. The Show Over Jet Boat was a blast! Our French captain (sorry I forgot your name!) cranked up the rock and roll, making the ride as fun as the stunning views. He was super professional and kept us safe while we had a wild time. Rafting was equally amazing. The three young guides (captain + two boat hands) were attentive, kept us safe, and chatted nonstop to keep the mood high. Our driver was also lovely—sorry I can’t remember her name, but she made the whole day smooth. The team took great photos to capture our memories. I highly recommend this to anyone in Queenstown! It’s exciting, pushes your limits, and shows you a new side of yourself. To the boss: please praise this amazing team—they’re truly outstanding! ✨——Monica
Excellent Trip, and an unforgettable experience 🥰
Julie E,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic Trip, what an experience. First an adrenaline filled jet boat ride and then a fabulous adventure down the river, riding the rapids, floating in the water and some cliff jumping. Don’t miss this amazing trip. Thanks to all the guys and a special thanks to our guide Mark for his expert rafting skills and for making the trip such fun 👏🏻👏🏻
So much fun! A great way...
Jordan P,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So much fun! A great way to cover both rafting and the shotover boat ride in the same experience. We loved it
Let’s go again!!
colindA5945HQ,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We laughed, we played!! Seamless easy, fun…great guides and driver! Professional… made everyone feel like family and safe !! They rocked it!
Super fun and well...
Ashleigh C,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super fun and well instructed! All the staff are super friendly, informative and make sure you’re having fun the whole way through
Very well organized, fun...
Maximilian B,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized, fun guides, good rental equipment, and overall exciting experience! 100% recommended
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!
From NZ$319.00
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