Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride by KJet

About this experience

Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Tickets This ticket secures your place aboard KJet's high-speed jet boat for a 60-minute guided ride across Lake Wakatipu and through the dramatic channels of both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Reaching speeds of up to 95kph, the ride includes signature 360-degree spins and heart-stopping bursts of acceleration, all led by KJet's experienced guides. Your journey begins at Main Town Pier, where the guide delivers a safety briefing before guests board KJet's powerful vessel. The boat slices through Lake Wakatipu's crystal-clear waters, then surges into the Kawarau River's twisting channels past rugged cliffs and historic bridges. The real thrill comes when the ride enters the Shotover River's shallow braided streams, where the jet boat's unique design allows navigation through water as shallow as five centimetres. Throughout the journey, guests take in panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range and the surrounding alpine peaks, with expert commentary provided by the guide throughout. This family-friendly ride welcomes children as young as two years old, with special life jackets provided for little ones. Children aged 2 to 4 ride free with an adult, making it an excellent choice for families exploring Queenstown's top attractions. Highlights High-speed guided ride through the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers at speeds up to 95kph Signature 360-degree spins and dramatic acceleration bursts Shallow water thrills through the Shotover River's braided streams in as little as 5cm of water Panoramic mountain views of the Remarkables range and alpine vistas Expert commentary from experienced guides throughout the journey Family-friendly ride with special provisions for children from age two Plan Your Visit to KJet Queenstown All departures leave from Main Town Pier on Marine Parade, just a short walk from central Queenstown. Frequent departures run throughout the day, making it straightforward to fit this adventure into your itinerary. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and the safety briefing. The 60-minute ride operates year-round, though weather conditions can affect operations. Dress appropriately for the season, with warm layers in winter or sun protection in summer. Water-resistant clothing is recommended, as guests will be splashed during the ride. Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult, and guests with cardiac, neck or back conditions should not participate. Wheelchair users can join if accompanied by a caregiver to assist with boarding. Professional photos are available for purchase after the ride to capture the excitement. Consider combining your jet boat ride with other Queenstown adventure experiences to make the most of your visit to New Zealand's adventure capital. Vehicles are not sold through this listing. Any vehicle used during the experience is supplied by the operator and returned at the end.

Highlights

• Reach speeds of close to 95kph across Queenstown's waterways
• Covers Lake Wakatipu and both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
• 60-minute ride with signature 360-degree spins included
• Departs from Main Town Pier with a full safety briefing
• Operated by KJet aboard purpose-built high-speed vessels

What is included

• 60-minute jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
• Passage across Lake Wakatipu
• Signature 360-degree spins
• Safety briefing at Main Town Pier

Before you go

[1,[4,"h2",null,[5,"Your experience"]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Jet boat through Queenstown’s wild rivers"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"Get ready for a non-stop adventure on the famed Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown. Upon arrival at the Main Town Pier, the journey begins with a detailed safety briefing—children and adults alike are well cared for with special life jackets provided for little ones. Once everyone’s onboard, the action starts. The powerful jet boat accelerates quickly, slicing across Lake Wakatipu’s pristine waters before surging into the twisting channels of the Kawarau River."]],[4,"p",null,[5,"With an expert at the helm, the boat reaches thrilling speeds near 95kph, combining heart-pounding acceleration with impressive 360-degree spins. Spray arcs over the boat as you whip past rugged cliffs and under historic bridges with panoramic mountain scenery all around. The ride showcases dramatic views of the Remarkables mountain range and surrounding alpine vistas, making every twist and turn a feast for the senses."]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Family-friendly excitement"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"No one is left out: KJet’s spacious boats and range of life jackets, including for children as young as two, mean the ride is perfect for families and groups of all ages. Children aged 2–4 ride free with an adult, making it an affordable adventure for parents traveling with little ones. Safety is top priority at every step—whether you’re sitting independently or with a child on your lap, crew are on hand to ensure everyone is comfortable and secure."]],[4,"h3",null,[5,"Unmatched thrills and scenic beauty"]],[4,"p",null,[5,"After navigating the wide stretches of the Kawarau, hold on as the jet boat swings into the Shotover River’s shallow braided streams, sometimes gliding through water as shallow as five centimetres. The vessel’s unique design allows for tight turns, dramatic splashes and spins, and bursts of speed even in remarkably shallow spots. This combination of adrenaline and scenery is unique to Queenstown and ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers."]],[4,"p",null,[5,"Frequent departures throughout the day from the centrally located Main Town Pier mean you can fit this adventure easily into your Queenstown itinerary. No matter the season, the excitement never lets up—come prepared with warm clothes in winter or sun protection in summer, and don’t forget your sense of adventure."]],[4,"ul",null,[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Expert guides deliver live commentary and keep you safe throughout"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Photos are available to purchase at the end of your ride"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Enjoy Queenstown’s legendary views from a unique, water-level perspective"]]]],[4,"h2",null,[5,"Book your KJet Queenstown 60-Minute Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride tickets now!"]]]

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience. Within 24 hours of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.