Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Queenstown, New Zealand
- 25 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.
- Exclusive access to the Shotover River canyons—no other operators go here
- Optional return transport available from central Queenstown
- Fun for Queenstown locals and tourists alike
- Multiple tours throughout the day to conveniently fit into your schedule
What's Included
- 25-minute high-speed jet boat ride on the Shotover River
- Exclusive access to the Shotover River canyons
- Professional and highly skilled jet boat driver
- Full 360° spins and high-speed manoeuvres
- Safety briefing and all required safety equipment (life jackets)
- Informative commentary and local stories throughout the experience
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
At your chosen time, hop aboard a complimentary shuttle bus in downtown Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital.’ After a short ride through New Zealand’s once-thriving gold country, arrive on the shores of the Shotover River to embark on your high-speed jet boat ride.
Hold on tight as the driver expertly navigates the jet boat over white-water rapids and squeezes through the narrow canyon walls of the Shotover. Pass sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops, then feel your adrenaline pumping as the boat makes trick maneuvers, twists, and turns. Once back on firm ground, relax on the shuttle transfer back to Queenstown. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.
Hold on tight as the driver expertly navigates the jet boat over white-water rapids and squeezes through the narrow canyon walls of the Shotover. Pass sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops, then feel your adrenaline pumping as the boat makes trick maneuvers, twists, and turns. Once back on firm ground, relax on the shuttle transfer back to Queenstown. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be at least 3 feet (1 meter) in height; dependent on water conditions, the operator reserves the right to increase the minimum height to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Lifejackets are provided
- Please allow 1.5 hours for return trip from Queenstown if taking shuttle bus
- Locker facilities available for personal belongings
- Check-in is 30 min prior to jet boat ride departure if self-driving to the river base
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 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
Featured review
Valerie_H
A must do while in Queenstown! My husband and I had the best time on this experience! A quick 10 min drive out of Queenstown, plenty of parking, and really easy to find. There is a lovely brewery/restaurant next to the river to grab a beer/bite before or after the jet boat ride. We didn't eat, but the beers were good! (The food did look good though.)
Shotover was running about 10 min behind for the day, so we didn't get on the river at our schedule time, but it was within 10 min. The weather was a perfect fall day, and the sun was out, but it was still a bit chilly on the river. You will get wet, so dress for the experience.
Josh, our boat captain, was awesome! He was fun, knowledgeable, and a very skilled driver. He constantly checked-in to make sure everyone was okay and having a good time. You can tell he loves what he does for a living.
The views down the river and through the canyons are stunning. The only downfall of the experience is that you can't take photos or videos while the boat is moving. You really have to take it all in and be present in the moment to get the full experience, which is good. The boat gets so close to the rocks and you feel the cold, fresh water on your face -- it is awesome.
I would recommend this experience to anyone who visits Queenstown and I would do it again myself.
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,804 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Trevor_H, Jul 2026
Really well organised and the time spent in the jet boat is great and longer than the last time we went.
Brenden_G, Jun 2026
Must do experience…So much excitement and great adrenaline with a little history thrown in. I would compare to F1 on the water. 👌
Anne_W, Jun 2026
An awesome experience., Driver was excellent. Definitely would go again. Queenstown is a definate vibe.
Ateeq_U, Jun 2026
Fun activity, definitely gets very windy so layers and eye protection is recommended, the drivers are very skilled and 25 minutes are worth it, but they lost my pictures :(
Lucy_R, Jun 2026
This is a really fun thing to do. The jet boat is so much fun and it’s a great way to experience the Shotover river. Highly recommend!
KwanYoung_K, May 2026
Check in staff at the counter in town was not friendly. Although actual riding was somehow fun but overall experience was not what i expected.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia ora Kwan Young,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear the service at check-in did not leave a positive impression, as we aim to provide a welcoming experience from start to finish. We do appreciate your comments and are pleased to hear you still found the ride enjoyable.
Ngā mihi,
The Shotover Jet Team
Annie_H, May 2026
This was the coolest boat ride I've ever done. Definitely worth experiencing. If I'm ever back in the area I will bring whoever is with me to do this again.
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia ora Annie,
Thank you for the great review! We’re so pleased to hear you had such an awesome experience and that it made such an impression. We’re glad we could be part of your Queenstown adventure!
Ngā mihi,
The Shotover Jet Team
Pratik_S, May 2026
Amazing thrill must do activity in Queenstown,
Enjoyed a lot with out friends and children
👌👌👌👍👍
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia ora Pratik,
Thank you for the great review! We’re so pleased to hear you all had an amazing time and enjoyed the thrill with us.
Ngā mihi,
The Shotover Jet Team
Thomas_S, May 2026
Bloody awesome!
The drivers are seriously talented and all the staff are very welcoming and professional
Response from Host, May 2026
Kia ora Thomas,
Thank you for the awesome review! We’re so pleased you had a great time and loved the skills of our drivers and the welcoming team.
Ngā mihi,
The Shotover Jet Team
Rebecca_B, May 2026
Absolutely brilliant… if you like an adrenaline flued ride you love this- highly recommend as part of your trip
Fitzgeralds, May 2026
The Jetboat experience was awesome. The locality is great with a mix of canyons, bridges and river flats. The driver takes the boat incredibly close to the canyon walls and it is thrilling. Highly recommend.
Jan_M, May 2026
It was awesome, fun, amazing, exciting. Must do in Queenstown. Day was beautiful, cold and a once in a lifetime experience.
Trudi_M, Apr 2026
Must-do when in Queenstown. Did this first when I visited in February with my sisters, and enjoyed it so much, I had to take my now husband on the way to our wedding. Both of us were really nervous before the first time we both went, but the drivers are absolutely amazing (I think they said they train for 18mths before they take passengers). Ngāi Tahu tourism are an extremely professional operation, and their safety record is impeccable. They are the best for a Queenstown jet boat experience - don't skimp and go for a cheaper operator - Shotover Jet have the exclusive rights to the section of river that's best for this. So much fun - you really won't regret it (and like us, will probably want to go again as soon as you get off!)
Natasha_G, Apr 2026
So much fun. Transportation to the river from Queenstown. Felt safe and secure the whole way. Glad this was recommended to us as the river is the best venue.
Amanda_A, Apr 2026
It was exhilarating. Wear warm clothes, gloves, scarf, spray jacket in cool weather. Would highly recommend.
Irene_J, Apr 2026
Wow what a ride the best thriller ride ever 😊 the spins, then looks like you were going to hit the sides
Jacqueline_G, Apr 2026
I booked for the 4th and you changed it to the 2nd people going on the boat at 12 lunch time on the 2nd had not even arrived in the country I asked for a refund and did not get a reply I will never use you again Cheers Paul
DONNA_K, Apr 2026
This was such a fun activity and ran seamlessly from check-in at The Station in Queenstown to our return shuttle bus drop off. We felt safe at all times. The staff were all great and I really can't fault our experience. Highly recommend!
michael_g, Apr 2026
This is an awesome experience. Boat driver was excellent and made everyone feel very safe. Awesome ride!
Izzat_N, Apr 2026
Amazing experience! Truly one of a kind and the driver was very skilled in navigating through the river.
TRENT_L, Apr 2026
100% the best fun. Worth every dollar and the staff and crew were very professional. Can't wait to do it again
Sean_B, Apr 2026
We had so much fun! It was freezing and it scared us a lot. Our driver was talented and yeah it was so much fun.
Angela_V, Apr 2026
So much fun! It's not just a ride down the river, it's informative, exciting and so much fun. Our driver was incredible
LeeAnn_F, Apr 2026
A thrilling experience. Make sure you dress warmly. Best Jet boat experience there is. Very experienced drivers and good safety
Valerie_H, Apr 2026
A must do while in Queenstown! My husband and I had the best time on this experience! A quick 10 min drive out of Queenstown, plenty of parking, and really easy to find. There is a lovely brewery/restaurant next to the river to grab a beer/bite before or after the jet boat ride. We didn't eat, but the beers were good! (The food did look good though.)
Shotover was running about 10 min behind for the day, so we didn't get on the river at our schedule time, but it was within 10 min. The weather was a perfect fall day, and the sun was out, but it was still a bit chilly on the river. You will get wet, so dress for the experience.
Josh, our boat captain, was awesome! He was fun, knowledgeable, and a very skilled driver. He constantly checked-in to make sure everyone was okay and having a good time. You can tell he loves what he does for a living.
The views down the river and through the canyons are stunning. The only downfall of the experience is that you can't take photos or videos while the boat is moving. You really have to take it all in and be present in the moment to get the full experience, which is good. The boat gets so close to the rocks and you feel the cold, fresh water on your face -- it is awesome.
I would recommend this experience to anyone who visits Queenstown and I would do it again myself.
Michelle_L, Apr 2026
One of our favorite things that we did while visiting Queenstown! Super fun, exhilarating, Rob was super fun and an excellent driver! Highly recommend!
Cher_C, Apr 2026
Very fun and fast- we had perfect weather and a great tour guide ! Thrills doing 360 spins and coming close to canyon walls.
Cynthia_B, Apr 2026
It was really fun and exciting. Our driver was so skilled it made the experience thrilling. I will do it again!
xland214, Apr 2026
This was soooo much fun- I wanted to go again. Totally worth the money and a highlight from our Queenstown trip
William_F, Apr 2026
A 25 minute ride that's worth the experience. Beautyful canyon scenery, thrilling, humerous, and exhilirating. The staff were very friendly, courteous, and welcoming. Ryan, our boat driver was awesome! He could handle the powerful engines and boat with ease. While in Queensland don't let this opportunity pass you by. This made our day.
From $118.76
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
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