New Zealand · JET BOAT RIDES
A hull that runs in ten centimetres of water, a canyon wall and a driver who enjoys both. These 15 compare the Shotover, the Dart, the Waikato and the Buller on ride length, spin count and what the price actually includes.
Race through Shotover River canyons on a thrilling Queenstown jet boat ride with 360 spins, scenic views, skilled drivers, and useful planning tips.
“It was awesome. Teens loved it and enjoyed getting wet on the back row. Would def recommend. Very well organised”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau, and Shotover rivers, with pricing, route details, tips, and who should go.
“A great experience. Exhilarating and informative. Weather excellent and yes I would do it again.”
Ride the Waikato River from Taupo with rapids, canyon runs, spins, scenery, and local stories in a fast 35-minute jet boat trip.
“Would highly recommend this, it was so much fun, everything was well organised and the driver was excellent”
Shotover Jet’s 25-minute Queenstown ride races through narrow canyons at 90kmh with rapids, spins, expert drivers, and striking river views.
“Absolute adrenaline rush that was so exciting. The skill & accuracy of our driver Missy was outstanding. A fabulous experience that we would recommend.”
Ride to the base of Huka Falls on a fast Taupō jet boat, with 360-degree spins, river views, local commentary, and practical tips.
“Really exhilarating ride with sharp 360 turns in very agile boat. Ricki excellent driver/guide. May be too pricey for some but we enjoyed it.”
Review of the Skippers Canyon jet boat tour from Queenstown, with a thrilling mountain-road drive, canyon views, history, and 360 spins.
“Boat ride was awesome and our guide Tom on the bus was great!”
Review of Fiordland Jet Boat’s Te Anau journey, with Upper Waiau River thrills, Lake Manapouri views, nature walks, and practical tips.
“It was a AWESOME experience Very knowledgeable driver The session was a lot longer then we expected it also included stops with the history of the area The hard turns of the Jet boat was Fantastic we all had a great time I would highly recommend this company for anyone they were AWESOME”
Review of the Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo, with Huka Falls views, 360 spins, practical tips, price advice, and booking details.
“Best experience ever, the driver Ricki was awesome. Great value for money. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking about it.”
KJet Queenstown races across Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau and Shotover rivers with 360-degree spins, mountain views and family-friendly thrills.
“We had a super fun ride with Anton today!! He swirled us and splashed us and thrilled us with spins! It was awesome. We highly recommend this boat ride!”
Review the Dart River jet boat tour from Queenstown, with practical advice on scenery, transport, value, weather, family suitability, and what to expect.
“Fantastic experience from beginning to end. The coach ride was good & it travels through some amazing scenery as it follows the lakeside to Glenorchy. All the staff we encountered were friendly and professional. The Jet Boat ride itself was a truly amazing experience and made even better by our driver/tour guide Jordan. He was very professional and shared lots of interesting stories throughout the trip. The ride was also thrilling with lots of 360 degrees spins and fast paced racing over the narrow Dart River. We 100% recommended this trip and this company.”
Review of the Dart River jet boat and funyak tour from Queenstown, with practical tips on scenery, effort, gear, lunch, price, and pickup times.
“We had an amazing trip! All of the staff were upbeat and knowledgeable! Ellie and JJ were an absolute blast. The sand flies were a pest but not enough to make the trip bad. Our favorite park was kayaking into the chasm and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters before lunch. Highly recommend this duo trip of jet boat and funyak to experience all the Dart river has to offer!”
Ride the Clutha River from Wanaka on a small-group jet boat tour with 360 spins, mountain views, gold-mining stories, and photo stops.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our Jetboat experience , lots of 360s and cruising around on the river along with commentary from Pat. Much longer than other tours offer and is nice being in a small group also. Highly recommend!”
Review of Wanaka’s jet boat and wilderness walk, with Matukituki River thrills, Mount Aspiring scenery, practical tips, price, and value.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
Review of Lakeland Wanaka’s Clutha River jet boat ride, with mountain views, Hamilton Spins, practical tips, pricing, weather advice, and booking details.
“Very fun experience!!! Max was a great guide/driver and we had a lot of fun during the jet boat experience on the river!!”
Queenstown Thunder Jet review: compare 30 and 60-minute rides, 360-degree spins, mountain views, safety, price, and practical tips.
“Worth the price. Everyone enjoyed it, got drenched as sitting on the side which was super fun! Got quite cold though so maybe a waterproof jumper under the rain coat they provide would have been a good choice :)”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
