Katoa Jet Boat tour on Lake Rotorua: 30-minute high-speed ride

The boats throw 360-degree spins into the turns.

The Katoa Jet Boat tour is a 30-minute high-speed ride on Lake Rotorua where V8-powered boats reach speeds up to 85km/hr while visiting Mokoia Island, Kawaha Point and Sulphur Bay. Life jackets and spray jackets are supplied. The driver provides live commentary on the area's history. Children from age 2 are welcome, and groups up to 50 can be accommodated across three boats.

The experience

Thirty minutes on Lake Rotorua means you're on the water fast. The V8 jet boats accelerate to 85km/hr, and the drivers throw them into hard 360-degree spins that pin you sideways in your seat. You'll pass Kawaha Point, the Sacred Mokoia Island and Sulphur Bay while the driver talks through the history of each landmark. Life jackets are mandatory and spray jackets are available if you want them: most people take one because the speed and the turns send water across the bow.

Groups up to 50 travel across three boats, so you're not alone but you're not packed in either. Children from age 2 can ride. The tour operates with a minimum of 4 people per booking. If your group is smaller, contact the operator through the booking platform to arrange an exception. Public transport stops are nearby if you're not driving yourself.

The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, back or neck injuries, or poor cardiovascular health. Pregnant travelers cannot participate. Everyone else, regardless of fitness level, can handle the 30 minutes. Photos are available to purchase after the tour ends.

What’s included

• Live commentary from the driver on the area's history.
• life jacket and optional spray jacket.
• experienced driver operating the V8 jet boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 50

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Katoa Jet

Is this one for you?The 360-degree spins and 85km/hr speed are what separate this from a scenic boat ride. Book it if you want the rush and the landmarks together, not a slow cruise.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (2 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How fast do the Katoa jet boats actually go on Lake Rotorua?

The V8-powered boats reach speeds up to 85km/hr, and the drivers perform 360-degree spins during the 30-minute tour.

What landmarks will I see on the Lake Rotorua jet boat tour?

You'll pass Kawaha Point, the Sacred Mokoia Island and Sulphur Bay while the driver explains the history of each site.

Are life jackets and spray jackets included on the Katoa jet boat tour?

Life jackets are mandatory and included. Spray jackets are optional and supplied if you want one to stay dry during the high-speed ride.

What is the minimum group size for booking the Katoa jet boat tour?

A minimum of 4 people per booking is required. If your group is smaller, contact through the booking platform to request an exception.

How many people can the Katoa jet boats carry at once?

The three boats can carry up to 50 people total across a single tour departure.