Waimakariri River Jet Boating from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

1 hour (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Waimakariri River from Christchurch, with handy round-trip hotel transport included. Select a ride duration to suit your needs and interest, with half- and 1-hour rides available. Admire the views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains as you zip along the water. An ideal adventure for families and friends that leaves time in your day for other activities.

Combine the thrills of a jet boat ride with the breathtaking scenery
Choice of ride durations to fit your schedule
See views of the rugged snow-capped Southern Alps mountains
Included hotel pickup and drop-off from central Christchurch hotels

What's Included

Jetboat ride
Driver/guide
Round-trip jetboat
Life jacket
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pick up from your central city accommodation of choice.

What To Expect

Start your Waimak jetboat tour with hotel pickup in Christchurch, travel along the rural roads of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. The snow-fed waters of the Waimakariri River enter canyons and gorges where steep rock faces are lined with native forests.

The 30-minute jet boat tour of the Lower Waimak is ideal for those with limited time. Upon reaching the braided Waimakariri River, snap on your provided life jacket, listen to a safety briefing, and hop into the powerful jet boat for a high-speed ride. Your expert captain skims over shallow river flats and shingle-bottom streams on an ever-changing course with 360-degree spins and hairpin turns. Allow 1.5 hours from the city center and return.

If you have more time to spend amid this spectacular alpine landscape, upgrade to one of the following options listed below.

Waimak Gorge Jet Boating

Experience an exhilarating 30-minute adventure jet-boat ride through the rugged Waimakariri Gorge with breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Experience the famous 360° Hamilton spin. Allow three hours from the city center and return.

Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari

Extend your jet-boat ride all the way to the upper Waimakariri Gorge, with access to remote areas that are otherwise out of reach. 60 minutes of true New Zealand jet boating. A Canyon Safari Adventure. Allow four hours from the city center and return.

Waimakariri River

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Child rate applies only when traveling with 2 paying adults

Please note that this tour is an independent tour and you may be traveling with a different driver/guide and group each day
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Janice_M

I wasn't to sure if I'd enjoy it but I had a blast. I felt relaxed with the experience of the driver and I really liked his sense of humor. My children had never done it before and just loved it. I'd recommend it to everyone for a family fun time.

Reviews

4.0

based on 9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

I was canceled by the...

Dami_R, Jan 2023

I was canceled by the waimak Gorge Jet Boating and did not refund money yet. It was planned trip and sudden cancellation make us frustrated.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

The tour was cancelled as the jet boating requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate. On the day prior to the date of travel the others who were booked on this tour developed covid and cancelled. In the circumstances the jet boating was unable to operate due to minimum numbers not being achieved. As the booking was made through the trip advisor / Viator platform all refunds are processed by them and not us, as we do not hold any of the payments. We can see that a refund is being processed, however, this takes 3 - 5 working days before the funds appear in the customers account. Unfortunately a little patience is required.

Fun for all.

Janice_M, Oct 2021

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It is great to hear that you and your family loved the experience. I hope you have the opportunity to travel with us again.

It was really good and exciting and...

Michael_S, Jan 2017

It was really good and exciting and the views were so stunning but I thought a little risky with the boat so close to the rocks.

The scenery was beautiful and the...

Ludo, Jan 2016

The scenery was beautiful and the trip enjoyable! We found the length of the boat trip to be sufficient despite other reviews to the contrary.

The weather was a little chilly but the...

DeeFoyne, Feb 2011

The weather was a little chilly but the boat ride was a rush - it was the second time we'd had Chris as our driver/guide too, great guy!

An exhilarating experience! Informative...

Doreen V, Jan 2010

An exhilarating experience! Informative as well as fun. Totally refreshing!

The gorge boating was good, but I...

Kirsty A, Jan 2007

The gorge boating was good, but I booked a safari that was meant to be 4.5 hours long and when i got there I only got the gorge boating that was 3 hours long. The actual time in the boat is less than one hour, great scenery, but Viator should detail what you are getting for your money better!!

The river didn't have any rapids, and...

Mary Huston M, Nov 2006

The river didn't have any rapids, and the picture gave the impression that there were, so that was somewhat misleading. But the staff were very nice and professional.

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