Queenstown: Jet Boat Ride on Kawarau & Shotover Rivers

Summary

Jet boat spins, river spray and wild laughter in Queenstown

You’ll feel your heart race as you blast across Lake Wakatipu and spin down the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with a local driver at the helm. Expect cold spray on your face, wild laughter from your group, and those moments where Queenstown’s scenery blurs past at nearly 95kph. It’s an hour of pure energy — you might still be grinning hours later.

What’s the experience like?

I almost lost my nerve at the Main Town Pier when I saw that yellow jet boat bobbing on Lake Wakatipu — it looked way too small to be going that fast. Our driver, Matt (he just grinned and told us to call him “Macca”), handed out life vests with this casual “you’ll need it” wink. The lake air smelled sharp and cold, but the sun was out, so I figured it couldn’t be that bad. Turns out, I was wrong — in a good way.

The first spin hit before I could even brace myself. Water sprayed up into my face and someone behind me shrieked — not sure if it was excitement or terror (maybe both). Macca shouted over the engine noise about how we’d cover 45km between the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in just an hour. It’s weird how you can feel the riverbed scraping underneath when the water’s only five centimeters deep — kind of like flying low but with a bit more panic. There’s this moment where everything blurs: wind in your teeth, hands gripping tight, mountains flashing by on either side. Didn’t expect to laugh so much.

At one point we slowed down and Macca pointed out a spot where he said locals sometimes swim in summer (can’t imagine jumping in after that icy spray). He joked about Kiwis being “part penguin,” which made everyone relax a bit before he cranked up the speed again. The Shotover River is narrower and twistier than I thought — you get these quick flashes of gold-colored rocks and willow trees bending over the water. My jacket was soaked by then but honestly, I didn’t care anymore.

I still think about that last 360 spin near the end — half thrill, half chaos. When we pulled back up to Queenstown’s pier, my heart was pounding so hard I could barely hear anything else for a minute or two. If you’re looking for something to shake you awake (and you don’t mind getting drenched), this jet boat ride is pretty much perfect for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — High speed jet boat ride in Queenstown

• Check in 15 minutes before departure
• Depart from Main Town Pier
• Zoom across Lake Wakatipu
• Spin 360 degrees on Kawarau River
• Navigate shallow Shotover River waters
• Enjoy 60 minutes of adrenaline ride

Top questions

How long does the Queenstown jet boat ride last?

The jet boat ride lasts 60 minutes from start to finish.

Where does the jet boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Main Town Pier in central Queenstown.

What rivers are included on this jet boat experience?

The ride covers Lake Wakatipu plus both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.

Is there a minimum age for children?

The minimum age for children is 2 years old.

Are life vests provided during the ride?

Yes, life vests are supplied for all passengers.

Is this jet boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible; caregivers must assist as needed.

How fast do the jet boats go?

The boats travel at speeds of up to 95kph during the tour.

Is pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Main Town Pier in Queenstown.

What’s included

Your hour-long adventure includes a skilled local driver-guide who handles all navigation across Lake Wakatipu plus both rivers, safety gear like life vests for everyone onboard, and hassle-free departures right from central Queenstown’s Main Town Pier every hour on the hour.