Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
Overview
Available languages
35 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years or 1 meter tall
Family Pass includes 2 Adults and 2 Children
Children must be accompanied by an adult
What To Expect
Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga Awa Purua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush!
What‘s Included
Parking and Bathroom Facilities Available
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Fitted Life Jackets provided
Experienced Professional Guide
Souvenir photos (for purchase for NZ$45)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Waikato River Jet Boat Ride
Option 1: 35min Jet boat experience. Speeding off at 80km/h you will encounter two sets of fantastic white water Rapids. These will show you the narrowest part of the Waikato River.
Reviews
1,464 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thrill ride
Q75TGbethr,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Son Samual and l have just moved to Taupo. We are enjoying new experiences here and had an amazing afternoon on our jet boat trip today. We really liked all the info about the area ie geo power stations hot springs and volcanic history. The jet ride was a thrill We will be back again sometime thanks for an awesome.e time.
Fantastic experience
L4125WJbrookeb,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shannon was an awesome driver, very knowledgeable and a little bit funny. A must do in Taupo!
Amazing experience
DamienJam06,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An awesome experience. Taylah was our driver and I envy her the job. She was very good...skillful. confident safe and confidence inspiring. Jet bosts are amazing and 95 kph on the river rapids is an experience not to be missed...worth every cent.
Amazing!!
katiel908,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a thrilling experience! Shannon our captain and tour guide was brilliant and very informative about the location of the rapids. He made it so fun for us and we were laughing the whole way through! Definitely recommend!!
What a ride
Scenic40168789211,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing jet boat ride through some of the most stunning scenery you will ever see.. our boat driver was informative about certain points along the river and knew exactly how to get the most out of the boat and the river.. weather permitting you will not be disappointed with this experience..
Absolutely amazing!
Sightseer33321991923,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend it.
Tanyah was an awesome driver. Fun ride
Anu S,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great ride quite a lot of rapids and quite fun. Even if you’ve done Shotover this is different and quite fun.
So good!!
Go16514369530,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taylah and the team were wonderful and really made my day. What a job to have travel along the river everyday. Thank you for a wonderful experiance.
Incredible jet boat experience
OnAir68103,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience at these jet boats was amazing!!! Driver Taylah was a great driver, taught us so much about the river’s history, and made everyone in the boat feel safe and have fun!!!!
If you only have time for one jet boat ride in Taupo, do this one!
Neil R,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolute blast! Thanks to Taylah for her expert driving and giving us such a great experience - jet boating on the rapids is certainly thrilling and different from the more conventional ‘flat and shallow’ runs we’ve done elsewhere. We did the Huka Falls Jet too and if you only have time for one of them, Rapids Jet gets our vote!
From NZ$155.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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