Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride by KJet at KJet Queenstown
KJet Queenstown 60-Minute Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride
Choose your experience
Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Tickets
Experience Queenstown's legendary rivers from water level aboard a high-speed jet boat that reaches speeds near 95kph. This 60-minute adventure takes you across Lake Wakatipu and through the dramatic channels of both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, complete with signature 360-degree spins and heart-stopping acceleration.
Your journey begins at Main Town Pier with a safety briefing before you climb aboard KJet's powerful vessel. The boat slices through Lake Wakatipu's crystal-clear waters, then surges into the Kawarau River's twisting channels past rugged cliffs and historic bridges. The real thrill comes when you enter the Shotover River's shallow braided streams, where the jet boat's unique design allows navigation through water as shallow as five centimetres. Throughout the ride, you'll witness panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range and surrounding alpine peaks.
This family-friendly adventure welcomes children as young as two years old, with special life jackets provided for little ones. Children aged 2-4 ride free with an adult, making it an excellent choice for families exploring Queenstown's top attractions.
Highlights
- High-speed navigation through the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers at speeds up to 95kph
- Signature 360-degree spins and dramatic acceleration bursts
- Shallow water thrills through Shotover River's braided streams in as little as 5cm of water
- Panoramic mountain views of the Remarkables range and alpine vistas
- Expert commentary from experienced guides throughout your journey
- Family-friendly experience with special provisions for children from age two
Plan Your Visit to KJet Queenstown
All departures leave from Main Town Pier on Marine Parade, just a short walk from central Queenstown. Frequent departures run throughout the day, making it easy to fit this adventure into your itinerary. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and safety briefing.
The 60-minute experience is suitable year-round, though weather conditions can affect operations. Dress appropriately for the season with warm layers in winter or sun protection in summer. Water-resistant clothing is recommended as you will get splashed during the ride.
Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult, and guests with cardiac, neck or back conditions should not participate. Wheelchair users can join if accompanied by a caregiver to assist with boarding. Professional photos are available for purchase after your ride to capture the excitement.
Consider combining your jet boat adventure with other Queenstown adventure experiences to make the most of your visit to New Zealand's adventure capital.
Why you'll love it
- Reach speeds of close to 95kph across Queenstown's waterways
- Covers Lake Wakatipu and both the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers
- 60-minute ride with signature 360-degree spins included
- Departs from Main Town Pier with a full safety briefing
- Operated by KJet aboard purpose-built high-speed vessels
Good to know
- Opening times
09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm 09:00am - 07:00pm
- Know before you go
Your experience
Jet boat through Queenstown’s wild rivers
Get ready for a non-stop adventure on the famed Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown. Upon arrival at the Main Town Pier, the journey begins with a detailed safety briefing—children and adults alike are well cared for with special life jackets provided for little ones. Once everyone’s onboard, the action starts. The powerful jet boat accelerates quickly, slicing across Lake Wakatipu’s pristine waters before surging into the twisting channels of the Kawarau River.
With an expert at the helm, the boat reaches thrilling speeds near 95kph, combining heart-pounding acceleration with impressive 360-degree spins. Spray arcs over the boat as you whip past rugged cliffs and under historic bridges with panoramic mountain scenery all around. The ride showcases dramatic views of the Remarkables mountain range and surrounding alpine vistas, making every twist and turn a feast for the senses.
Family-friendly excitement
No one is left out: KJet’s spacious boats and range of life jackets, including for children as young as two, mean the ride is perfect for families and groups of all ages. Children aged 2–4 ride free with an adult, making it an affordable adventure for parents traveling with little ones. Safety is top priority at every step—whether you’re sitting independently or with a child on your lap, crew are on hand to ensure everyone is comfortable and secure.
Unmatched thrills and scenic beauty
After navigating the wide stretches of the Kawarau, hold on as the jet boat swings into the Shotover River’s shallow braided streams, sometimes gliding through water as shallow as five centimetres. The vessel’s unique design allows for tight turns, dramatic splashes and spins, and bursts of speed even in remarkably shallow spots. This combination of adrenaline and scenery is unique to Queenstown and ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers.
Frequent departures throughout the day from the centrally located Main Town Pier mean you can fit this adventure easily into your Queenstown itinerary. No matter the season, the excitement never lets up—come prepared with warm clothes in winter or sun protection in summer, and don’t forget your sense of adventure.
Expert guides deliver live commentary and keep you safe throughout
Photos are available to purchase at the end of your ride
Enjoy Queenstown’s legendary views from a unique, water-level perspective
Book your KJet Queenstown 60-Minute Kawarau and Shotover River Jet Boat Ride tickets now!
- Visitor guidelines
Arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes before your departure
Follow all crew instructions during boarding and the ride
Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult
Cameras and loose items are brought onboard at your own risk
Dress for changing weather and bring sun or rain protection as needed
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
Frequently asked
What is the minimum age for the jet boat ride?
Children as young as 2 years old are welcome, provided they can fit safely into a life jacket.
Do I need to bring anything for the ride?
It's recommended to bring warm layers in winter, sun protection in summer, and water-resistant clothing. Life jackets are supplied.
Can I participate if I have a medical condition?
Guests with cardiac, neck or back issues and pregnant people should not join the ride. Consult staff if you have health concerns.
Are there any restrictions or accessibility considerations?
Wheelchair users can join if accompanied by a caregiver to assist with steps and boarding. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Where does the jet boat depart from?
All trips leave from Main Town Pier, Marine Parade, just a short walk from central Queenstown.
Where you'll be
KJet Queenstown, Main Town Pier, Marine Parade
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