If you want to experience a heart-pumping adventure for the whole family, then jet boating is the way to go. Not only will it give you incomparable views of the riverside, but it also amps up the energy with all its exciting twists and turns. Plus, you don’t have to be athletic to go jet boating: it’s great for all ages and fitness levels! All you have to do is sit back, let the jet boat driver zip past the river, and enjoy the ride.
Jet boating in Queenstown is one of the most popular jet boat experiences in New Zealand. No surprise, as the city is known for being the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand” and the birthplace of adventure tourism. There are plenty of places you can go jet boating in Queenstown, each offering its own twists and turns.
And if you’re looking to go jet boating in Auckland or near it, you can also opt for jet boating in Taupo, Waikato, or Rotorua. It just goes to show that whether you’re in the North or South Island in NZ, you’re only a drive or train ride away from a good jet boat ride!
To help you choose, here are our top picks for the best jet boating NZ experiences:
- KJet: Jet Boat Ride Queenstown
- Go Orange-Jet Boat Experience in Queenstown
- Essential Queenstown – 4WD Adventure and Jet Boat Combo
- Queenstown Green & Gold Tour
- Waikato River Scenic Blast Jet Boat Ride
- The Squeeze Jet Boat Ride and Hot Spring Waterfall Adventure
- Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs
Queenstown
1. KJet: Jet Boat Ride Queenstown
Travel through Lake Wakatipu on the KJet: Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown. Image credits @kjetqueenstown on Instagram
Going jet boating in Queenstown on the KJet is a surefire way to get thrills! Go on a 60-minute ride on Lake Wakatipu that won’t slow down for anyone, and even throw in a couple of 360-degree twists and turns!
You’ll also get a magnificent view of The Remarkables mountain range as you traverse the length of the river. Call it a 2-in-1 adventure and tour until you finally reach the Shotover and Kawarau rivers.
You can even get free digital photos when you book on Klook, so don’t worry about not having a waterproof camera on you!
2. Go Orange-Jet Boat Experience in Queenstown
Zip your way through a famous Lord of the Rings shooting location with this jet boat ride
Another great way to go jet boating in Queenstown is via the Go Orange-Jet. This time, you’ll traverse the Kawarau River on either a 25-minute or 60-minute high speed, no holds barred ride.
Check out the picturesque sights surrounding Kawarau River, known as a shooting location for the Lord of the Rings franchise. An English-speaking guide will tell you all about the sights and help keep you safe throughout the ride.
3. Essential Queenstown – 4WD Adventure and Jet Boat Combo
Double the adventure, double the fun with the Essential Queenstown experience. Image credits @nomadsafaris on Instagram
The thrills are non-stop with the Essential Queenstown 4WD Adventure and Jet Boat Combo, which will not only take you jet boating through the canyons of Shotover River, but you’ll also get to go on an off-road tour into the New Zealand backcountry!
Start the adventure by hopping on a Nomad Safaris 4WD, where you’ll explore Arrow River’s abandoned gold mining area, which was also a shooting location for The Lord of the Rings. Then you can hop on the jet boat and cruise through Shotover River!
It’s three hours of non-stop excitement with this combo jet boating in Queenstown!
4. Queenstown Green & Gold Tour
The Queenstown Green & Tour takes you on spectacular stops and heart-pumping adventures
Dart through Dart River and check out cool The Lord of the Rings locations with the Queenstown Green & Gold Tour.
Start the day with a 46km drive to Glenorchy Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area, a park with stunning landscapes filled with falls, rocky coasts, and towering cliffs. The tour also takes you to scenic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit shooting locations, and even stop to pan for gold in the rivers! Good luck getting that gold!
Cap it off with the rush of jet boating through the Dart River!
Taupo
5. Waikato River Scenic Blast Jet Boat Ride
Have a blast jet boating in Waikato River!
If you want to go jet boating in Taupo, then the Waikato River Scenic Blast Jet Boat Ride is the way to go!
The Waikato River is the longest in New Zealand, and it flows through Lake Taupo in Taupo town. You’re given a lot of real estate to zoom, twist, and turn with this jet boat ride through the longest river in NZ! Pass through exotic forests, awe-inspiring rock formations, farmlands, and add a splash of thrill with the occasionally turbulent waters.
Rotorua
6. The Squeeze Jet Boat Ride and Hot Spring Waterfall Adventure
Have a blast riding through Tutukau Gorge and wading through the warm falls!
Jet boating in Rotorua is a great option if you want to do it near Auckland. While still being approximately 2 hours away from the big city, Rotorua offers you a scenic journey to the untouched parts of New Zealand.
Have a thrill ride across the Tutukau Gorge and witness the remarkable nature sights and wildlife in the surroundings. Cap your day with a relaxing swim in the hot springs’ warm waters and even stand underneath the waterfalls.
It’s a perfect mix of thrill and relaxation with the Squeeze Jet Boat Ride and Hot Spring Waterfall Adventure.
Hanmer Springs
7. Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs
Image credits @cassiejones01 on Instagram
Going back to the South Island of New Zealand, we have jet boating in Hanmer Springs, which takes you through Waiau River and Southern Alpines.
While mesmerising natural scenery surrounds the river, the experience is still complete with high-speed twist and turns! You’ll also experience a variety of terrains as you pass through narrow gorges and even rapids and shallows.
