Queenstown Rafting: Jet Boat & Kawarau River

Race the river by jet boat, then paddle the section jet boats can't reach

Queenstown rafting combines a high-speed jet boat descent of the Kawarau River with a whitewater paddle through grade 2–3 rapids in the historic gorge. The jet boat covers the first 30 minutes at full throttle, complete with signature 360-degree spins; you then transfer to a raft for the final section, including an optional cliff jump and the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid. The full activity runs about 4.5 hours and includes all equipment, safety instruction, and a hot shower afterward.

The Experience

The day starts on the jet boat at Queenstown, where the driver takes you down the Kawarau River at speed through narrow canyon walls and pristine wilderness. Thirty minutes in, you transfer straight into a raft to paddle the section the jet boats skip—the whitewater that only a raft can handle. Grade 2–3 rapids fill the next hour as you move through the historic Kawarau gorge, the same landscape famous for its gold mining and its appearance in The Lord of the Rings. If you want it, there's an optional rock jumping section partway through.

The climax is the Dog Leg rapid, a 400-meter stretch that holds the record as the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. You'll paddle through it as part of the standard run, not as an add-on. After you finish, the base provides hot showers and changing facilities so you can rinse off before heading back into town. Wetsuits, life jackets, helmets and all paddling gear are supplied; the operator covers safety instruction and paddling technique before you push off.

What’s included

• Jet boat ride down the Kawarau River with 30 minutes of high-speed canyon travel.
• whitewater rafting through grade 2–3 rapids in the Kawarau gorge for about an hour.
• wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and all paddling equipment.
• safety instruction and paddling technique briefing.
• optional cliff jump section.
• hot shower and changing facilities at the base.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by RealNZ

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want jet boat thrills and river paddling combined—the jet boat covers the fastest section so you paddle only the scenic gorge portion, not a full-day river descent.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the jet boat part and the rafting part?

The jet boat covers the upper Kawarau River in the first 30 minutes, hitting high speeds and performing tight turns through the canyon. The raft takes over for the lower section where the water is too shallow and technical for a jet boat—that's where the grade 2–3 whitewater rapids are, and it's where you do the actual paddling.

Can I do the cliff jump if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The cliff jump is optional, so you can skip it. You do need to be able to swim to participate in the rafting at all, since the rapids and the river itself are part of the experience. If you're not confident in the water, talk to the operator before booking.

How long does the whole thing take?

The activity runs about 4.5 hours from start to finish, including the jet boat ride, the raft section, safety briefing, and time to shower and change at the base afterward.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. The operator provides wetsuits, life jackets, helmets and all other rafting gear. You'll have access to hot showers at the base when you're done.

Is there a weight limit for this activity?

Yes—you need to weigh between 40 kg and 120 kg to participate. This is a safety requirement for both the jet boat and the raft.

What makes the Dog Leg rapid special?

The Dog Leg is a 400-meter rapid, the longest one commercially rafted anywhere in New Zealand. It's part of the standard route, not an optional add-on, so you'll paddle through it as the final section of your raft run.