Alpine Jet Thrills – Jet Boat & AirBoat Adventures
Updated: 24 th May 2026
Alpine Jet Thrills – Jet Boat & AirBoat Adventures
Experience high-speed adventure on the Waimakariri River with Alpine Jet Thrills, Canterbury’s specialist jet boat and AirBoat operator near Christchurch. Combining adrenaline, alpine scenery and river heritage, these unique experiences explore the braided shallows and dramatic canyon landscapes of one of New Zealand’s most iconic rivers.
Alpine Jet Thrills is home to New Zealand’s only commercial passenger AirBoat experience, allowing visitors to skim across shallow braided river channels in a purpose-built AirBoat unlike anything else in the country. Jet boat experiences range from short thrill rides near Christchurch to longer canyon safaris deep into the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge near Springfield.
Whether you’re looking for fast-paced Hamilton spins, scenic canyon adventures or a unique shallow-water AirBoat ride, Alpine Jet Thrills offers one of the most distinctive river experiences in Canterbury.
Experience New Zealand’s Only Commercial Passenger AirBoat on the Waimakariri River
NZ's first AirBoat has arrived on Canterbury's Waimakariri River
Experience New Zealand’s Only Commercial Passenger AirBoat
Experience New Zealand’s only commercial passenger AirBoat adventure with Alpine Jet Thrills on the Waimakariri River near Christchurch. Inspired by the famous American Everglades Airboats, this unique shallow-water experience combines adrenaline, scenery and river exploration unlike anything else in New Zealand.
Powered by a large aircraft-style propeller, the specially modified Air Force 2 AirBoat is designed to skim across Canterbury’s braided river channels and shallow shingle beds where traditional boats cannot operate. Feel the rush as the AirBoat glides over water, gravel and braided river flats while your driver navigates through constantly changing river landscapes.
The thrilling 20-minute AirBlast experience offers a completely different perspective of the Waimakariri River, with exciting manoeuvres, alpine scenery and informative commentary along the way. Even experienced jet boat riders are often amazed at the AirBoat’s ability to travel across incredibly shallow water.
Alpine Jet Thrills also offers scenic and adrenaline-filled jet boat adventures on the Waimakariri River, with departure points near Christchurch and Springfield, allowing visitors to experience everything from wide braided river plains to dramatic canyon landscapes.
Whether you’re searching for a unique Christchurch adventure activity, an exciting family experience or your first AirBoat ride, Alpine Jet Thrills delivers one of Canterbury’s most unforgettable river experiences.
Jetboat or Airblast the the Braided Shallows on the Waimakariri River
Air Blast - The Waimakariri River
Departs from the Waimakariri Regional Park just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Enjoy spins and speed in the shallow braided section of this amazing river.
Without a doubt, more than a ride! Air Force 2 is New Zealand’s first commercial passenger AirBoat, and this is where you can experience a true USA style AirBoat as you skim over wet stones that will leave even the most seasoned jet boaters speechless!
Price: $90 Adult – $70 Child ex river
Duration: 20 mins Departure: 9.30am
Need a little more time skimming wet stones?
Book an extended experience!
Price: $130 Adult – $90 Child ex river
Duration: 30 mins Departure: By arrangement
Air Blast + Lunch at Melton Estate
Combine the thrill of New Zealand’s only commercial passenger AirBoat ride with a relaxing winery lunch at Melton Estate. This Christchurch experience begins with a high-speed AirBlast across the braided shallows of the Waimakariri River before slowing down with a long lunch overlooking the vineyards at West Melton.
The 20-minute AirBoat ride skims across shallow river channels and shingle beds that traditional boats simply cannot reach, delivering speed, excitement and unforgettable scenery on one of Canterbury’s most unique adventure activities.
After your AirBoat adventure, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch at Melton Estate Winery — the perfect combination of adrenaline, scenery and local food and wine near Christchurch.
Price: $155 pp
Duration: 20 mins …and a long lunch!
Departure: 10.30 (Thu – Sun)
(ex Braided Shallows CHC – min 2 guests)
Jet Boat the Braided Shallows on the Waimakariri River
Waimakariri Braided Blast
Price: $90 per person – Child $70 pp
Departs: 10:00 am
Duration: 20 minutes
Jet boating for 20 minutes in the Braided Shallows of the Waimakariri, one of New Zealand’s most challenging and exciting rivers. Discover the thrills that only jet boating can deliver – skim the shallows, spin in your own length, and feel the Hamilton Jets’ power. Our exceptionally qualified and knowledgeable drivers, as well as our purpose-built boats, are thoroughly maintained. Nobody knows the Waimakariri better than ‘Alpine Jet Thrills’!
Jet Trek
Price: $160 per person – Child $140 pp
Departs: Call us (0800 26 36 26 )
Duration: 80 minutes
Experience ‘Horsepower’ from 1 to 300! The ‘Jet Trek’ combines an easy 60 minute horseback ride through farm land and river bed tracks with 20 minutes of jet boating adventure, in our 300HP Hamilton Jet boats on the Braided Shallows of the Waimakariri River. ‘Alpine Jet Thrills’ and ‘Waimak River Horse Treks’ combine their talents to allow this fun tour.
Canyon Safaris Springfield Departure Point
Experience Hamilton’s world-famous jet spins as our jet boats whisk you down into the roaring Waimakariri canyon through the Southern Alps’ foothills! The greatest jet boating experience in Christchurch!
Travel through crystal clear waters and take in vistas of the magnificent Southern Alps, where waterfalls meet the river – this Canyon Safaris jet boating trip is the perfect blend of scenery and adventure! Take in the breathtaking alpine landscape around the Waimakariri River and HOLD ON! as the jet boat embarks on an exhilarating voyage through low water and rapids, through cliff faces and shingle banks.
We provide tour alternatives to fit your schedule, budget, and sense of adventure – a perfect blend of landscape and adventure!
Canyon Safari
Price: $155 per person – Child $125 pp
Departs: 12:00 pm midday
Duration: 60 minutes
A minimum of 4 adults required for this package
For 60 minutes, you’ll learn how unique this slice of paradise truly is. Without vehicles or dwellings, the only way to enjoy this unique region of the globe is via jet boat. A extended commentary demonstrates mother nature’s might and provides amazing photo opportunities of gushing waterfalls and historic pioneer tramping cabins.
Wilderness Safari
Price: $275 per person – Child $215 pp
Departs: 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
Duration: 2 Hours
Your two-hour journey deep into the Waimakariri Canyon will whisk you away to another universe. It’s a fascinating history and interesting education in the region’s tremendous geology and its significance to the surrounding area that provides for an exhilarating jet boating trip that includes a chance to stop and roam around in the Canyon – a world apart from everyday life.
Price: $405 per person – Child $380 pp
Departs: Call us (0800 26 36 26 )
Duration: allow 60 minutes for this experience
A minimum of 4 adults required for this package
The ultimate adventure begins with a quick flight from Garden City Helicopters’ base to the banks of the Waimakariri River, where you will be greeted by your driving guide for a 20-minute Braided Blast up the Waimakariri’s Braided Shallows in the Alpine Jet Thrills’ Hamilton Jet boat.
Once back on firm ground, it’s time to board your scenic helicopter for the second half of your journey over Christchurch City and back to base. Flight duration is 15 minutes.
This package requires a minimum of two adults.
Thrilling Hamilton Jet Spins or Armchair Airboat Cruising
Phone: 0800 26 36 26 Email: [email protected]
Visit our website: www.alpinejetthrills.com/