KJet, Lake And Rivers, 1 Hour

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★ 4.7 2,026 reviews

from $88.94 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: KJet, Main Town Pier
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Operator terms: KJet terms: amendments need 24 hours notice; a cancellation or no-show inside 24 hours is non-refundable at management discretion.
If the operator cancels: KJet: if the operator cancels or amends a ride for weather, it offers a new time or a full refund.
Run by: KJet Queenstown

Overview

The big yellow boats leave from Main Town Pier on Marine Parade, right in central Queenstown. After a safety briefing you head out across Lake Wakatipu under the Remarkables, then run up two rivers in one trip. KJet gives the full ride as one hour covering about 45 kilometers, with the boat reaching speeds up to 95 kilometers per hour.

The route takes in both the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect tight turns past rocks and under bridges, plus full 360-degree spins, particularly in the shallow channels of the Shotover. KJet runs 365 days a year, weather permitting. Photos and video from the trip are sold separately at the end.

This suits travellers who want an adrenaline hit without dedicating a whole day to it, and it works for families too, since the minimum age is 2 and there are no height or weight limits as long as the life jackets fit. Anyone hoping to explore the Shotover canyon itself should read the route details carefully, as several travellers noted the ride does not enter the canyon.

An open jet boat with passengers in life jackets runs a narrow stretch of the Shotover canyon between layered grey schist walls.

What's Included

Included

1-hour jet boat ride
Driver and guide
Safety briefing
Life vests supplied

Not Included

Photos and videos (available for purchase)

Itinerary

Meet at Main Town PierThe departure point is Main Town Pier on Marine Parade in central Queenstown.
Safety briefingA safety briefing is included before the ride.
Across Lake WakatipuThe boat accelerates across the lake toward the river mouths, with views of the Remarkables.
Kawarau River sectionThe boat races along the Kawarau, past rocks and under bridges at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.
Shotover River sectionRiders hold on through 360-degree spins in the shallow Shotover channels.
Return to the pierAfter roughly 45 kilometers of riding, the boat returns to Main Town Pier, where trip photos and videos can be purchased.

On the water60 minutes

Minimum age2 years

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the hour on the water more comfortable, especially given the speed and the spray.

You will get wet. Several travellers came off the boat soaked, with one summarising the mood as big smiles and wet bums. Dress for it and bring a change of clothes if that matters to you.
Dress for speed. Bring weather-appropriate clothing plus sunglasses, a hat, gloves and sunscreen. Dress for the conditions, as you will be travelling at high speeds. One reviewer went in the afternoon cold but still had a great time.
Bring your own camera. Hands-free action cameras only; other cameras must be securely stored while the boat is moving. The operator also photographs the trip, and those images are available to buy afterward, so there is no pressure to shoot it yourself.
It runs all year. Boats operate 365 days a year, weather permitting. One reviewer who went in winter said the views were spectacular.
Kids can come. The minimum age is 2, provided children fit the smallest life jacket, and there are no height or weight restrictions. Adult life jackets go up to 4XL, so most body types are covered.
Leave large bags behind. Travel light and leave anything bulky at your accommodation.

Ready To RideCheck availability →

Common issues. The most common complaint in the review summary is that the route is not explained clearly enough before booking, with some travellers expecting the boat to enter the Shotover canyon and finding it does not. Hotel pickup is not included with this listing, though the operator notes that pickup from Frankton Marina and various lakefront hotels can sometimes be arranged in advance, subject to availability. Photos and videos cost extra. One reviewer mentioned a minor medical situation on board, which the driver handled.

Common Questions

Where Does The Jet Boat Leave From?

The departure point is Main Town Pier on Marine Parade in central Queenstown. There is no hotel pickup included with this ride. A second KJet departure runs from the Marina Visitor Centre in Frankton, if that location suits you better.

How Long Is The Ride?

The jet boat ride itself lasts one hour and covers about 45 kilometers across Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River and the Shotover River.

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the one-hour jet boat ride and the safety briefing. Photos and videos are sold separately, and hotel pickup is not included.

Can Children Ride The Jet Boat?

Yes. The minimum age is 2 years, and children must fit into the smallest life jacket available. There are no height or weight restrictions, though adult life jackets go up to a maximum size of 4XL.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Dress for the weather, remembering you will be travelling at high speed, and bring sunglasses, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. You can bring your own camera or GoPro but hold it tight.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. KJet runs 365 days a year, weather permitting.