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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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
1,450 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Educational thrills
O6260YCamyb,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent adventure! Taylah was a great driver, we learned about the river and its geological and film history in between zooming around and 360° spins.
Thrills at taupo
Carol P,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great driving and commentary. Plenty of thrills through stunning scenery. Wet but not completely soaked!
Worth every penny
C572VVstephenh,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic trip and strong recommendation. We were dropped off as the other half of our family decided on the Huka Falls cruise. Shannon met us and checked us in and took charge of those bits of gear we weren't taking on the boat before handing out lifejackets - then down to the boat. The ride was fun with alternating getting wet and then blown dry as we skipped up the river at 100km/h. The rapids were fun and we went up and down a few times. The photos and video were also really good and worth the money. They then offered to drive us the 3km to where the cruise returned to as the walking track between the two was in disrepair. If timing works, also stay and see the dam open - it is spectacular.
Awesome
gate2026,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome informative and exciting Jet boat trip with a great driver (Shannon) highly recommend 10 out of 10 would do again. Cheers to the team at Rapids Jet
Eight thumbs up!
DianeP2006,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A group of eight friends went on Rapid Jets with Taylah yesterday and had a FABULOUS time. We all wanted to book it again! Taylah was a wonderful driver and guide. We all had so much fun. A highly recommend from all of us!
Very Fun Experience!
Maryann S,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was incredible! Our group of 8 had so much fun!!! Taylah our driver was knowledgeable and an experienced driver. I highly recommend this activity. The scenery is gorgeous.
Super fun!
corranb2016,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun trip with Taylah! Highly recommended! Really exciting going over the rapids. The other staff were really good too.
Amazing!
Flyer60354712639,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome!! Highly recommend for value, experience, fantastic staff. Our skipper/gude Taylah was brilliant. Loved it, thanks team.
A brilliant experience
E1791THjuliep,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome trip with Taylah! The river is stunningly beautiful but Taylah made it even more special with all her info about the river, power station and all the movies shot on the rapids. A brilliant experience
Hilarious and adrenaline packed family activity
amyrL961KA,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the jet-boating as a family of four (kids aged 10 and 7) and we all absolutely loved it. It was so fast, so fun and so completely hilarious to hear our youngest kid screaming and giggling with glee. Thanks to our driver Shannon for being so knowledgeable and trustworthy. We would thoroughly recommend this 💛🖤
From NZ$145.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Rapids Jet