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‘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
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!
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
1,411 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend - An awesome time!
kimkF7858AJ,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Rapids Jet Taupo NZ!! Highly recommend. The staff are so kind, generous and knowledgeable. They took such fun pictures, gifted us each a hat and gave us an incredible thrill ride. The ride was also filled with stories, historical and current information which was great to learn about. We had a lot of laughs, splashes and the best time overall. We are thankful for the fun awesome time. Thank yo for the pictures and memories we will always hold on too. From your First Nations fam - Canada!
The Shot Over Jet of the North Island, Rapids Jet a Must Do!
514vivienc,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is definitely a raw power speed jet boat you want to do if you are seeking fun and excitement. From the start go to the finish it was just exhilarating. The spins were fun, got a little wet from the splashes. There were big rapids too in a beautiful surrounding down the Waikato River, sighting the Aratiatia Dam close up and seeing the other side of the gorge from the road/bridge end. We were also taken to the sites of the movie scenes of Yogi Bear and Hobbits. That was a nice surprise. I run a bed and breakfast business in Rotorua, I will definitely recommend my guests to experience when they travel to Huka Falls, this is the Jet Boat to ride in the North Island! Vivien, B&B@The Redwoods, Rotorua
Jet boating fun!
Code03,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our exhilarating trip up the Waikato River. Shannon was a fun & informative guide. Our young people loved their first jet boating experience!
So much FUN
453nicolev,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely a tour that must not be overlooked. Staff make you feel really comfortable and thier knowledge of the river system is really informative. The fun bit is definitely going through the rapids. Interesting to note that the section of river you travel on is also the film site of some high profile movies, but you'll have to take the tour to find out more. When we went it was raining but didn't really detract from the experience.
Great experience
samjI259HP,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would thoroughly recommend the Rapids Jet Boat experience! Shannon and Taylor were very enthusiastic and informative.
Fun, thrilling, exciting
Jet00708635027,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The jet boat ride was an absolute thrill! I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend it to others. The beautiful scenic views, and the driver's expert knowledge made the experience even more enjoyable.
Fun for the whole family
Voyager15473,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun! Awesome family experience, even our teenage boys enjoyed it. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun to do and don’t mind getting a bit wet!
Fun, fast and super accommodating 👌
748harperf,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We wanted an 'extra' experience for our year 8 rugby team from Pare-Plim as this would be our last year coming to the Rugby Festival. Dealing with Shannon and Taylor from Rapids Jet was a great experience, they were very accommodating to a very large group booking (we added a lot more riders on the day and this was no issue for them). We loaded up the boats 4 times and gave 52 of us a thrill and had everyone laughing and smiling ear to ear. Thanks so much for being a part of all our memories for what was an epic time for our players, coaches and families. We had a blast.
Exhilarating and informative loads of fun
Roam67686021312,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent driver was very informative and river was beautiful kids loved the whole experience would highly recommend
Jet boat through Rapids
Scenic25101423324,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great ride through rapids on Waikato River, Taupō, NZ, with entertaining commentary. Very friendly and professional team.
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