Best Places to Go Jet Boating in New Zealand – Top Jet Boat Rides
Page updated: 8th December 2025
Best Places to Go Jet Boating in New Zealand – Top Jet Boat Rides
Looking for the best places to go jet boating in New Zealand? From fast canyon runs in the South Island to volcanic rivers and harbour thrills in the North Island, New Zealand delivers some of the world’s greatest jet boat adventures. This guide showcases the best jet boating experiences across both islands — including Shotover Jet, Dart River Wilderness Jet, KJet, Hukafalls Jet, and more.
Best Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand’s North & South Islands
We’ve discovered the greatest Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
Jet boating tours are available across the North and South Islands, and are suited for people of all ages and may be enjoyed all year. Sit back, buckle in, and enjoy the acceleration and 360-degree spins while surrounded by New Zealand’s breathtaking beauty. OUTSTANDING PLEASURE!!
Jet boating is a Kiwi phenomenon that was invented in the 1950s by New Zealand farmer William (Bill) Hamilton to ease the passage of the shallow Canterbury rivers. However, astute New Zealanders quickly saw its potential as an adventure activity.
Jet boating is suited for people of all ages and levels of fitness, and it may be done all year. You experience all the thrills of a rollercoaster ride while being surrounded by stunning landscapes. It’s also a terrific method to cool off.
So where’s the best place for it?
Top Twelve Destinations to Go Jet Boating in New Zealand
Seventeen of the Best Jet Boat Rides in the
North & South Island of New Zealand
The best Jet Boat Rides in the North Island of New Zealand.
Xtreme Jet Boat Bay of Islands
Xtreme Jet Bay of Islands
Xtreme Jet Bay of Islands is Paihia’s newest and fastest thrill ride. Enjoy an absolute trip of a life time while enjoying speeds of up to 80km with twists, turns & spins that will make you scream with laughter!
The tour heads out towards the historic village of Russell and then to the inner part of the Bay of Islands viewing some of the bays most beautiful beaches. Enjoy adrenaline pumping high-speed fishtailing manoeuvres, 360 degree spins and power brakes making the experience a fast and fun adventure for everyone.
Jet boating is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and can be enjoyed the whole year round. Sit back, buckle yourself in & feel the acceleration & 360 degree spins surrounded by the Bay of Islands stunning scenery.
Cathedral Cove Jet Boat Whitianga, Coromandel
This is not your typical Cathedral Cove cruise!
Take Cathedral Cove Jet along the coastline and experience the thrill of a lifetime.
Hold on and enjoy a 450 horsepower jet engine reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour while doing high-speed spins and drifts along the way.
Our rides depart from Whitianga Wharf, the Coromandel’s centre of activity.
Cathedral Cove Jet will get you there more quickly, so let us take you on a ride today.
Velocity Valley Adventure Park Rotorua
Agrojet Jet-Sprint.
Can you handle speed surges of up to 100kph in the blink of an eye? Then the ‘Agrojet’ jet-sprint experience is for you.
Experience the G-force sensation as one of our professional drivers takes you in one of New Zealand’s fastest jet boats over a high octane sprint course.
Like a Ferrari on water, you will be left breathless after you have weaved around islands and finished with with an exhilarating 360 degree spin.
More information:
Jet Boat Trips Lake Taupo
Nothing gets you closer to Taupo’s Huka Falls.
Huka Falls Jet
Hukafalls Jet in Taupo offers a unique combination of thrills, excitement and natural beauty.
Thrilling customers since 1990, Hukafalls Jet is a must-do experience. Nobody gets you closer to the mighty Huka Falls!
This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along the beautiful Waikato River, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams.
You’ll travel in one of our state of the art jet boats at an incredible 80km an hour to the magnificent Huka Falls to get incredible water-level views.
Along the way our trademark 360 degree spins will leave you with a beaming smile and a heart pumping with adrenaline.
More information:
Jet Boat the Nga Awa Purua Rapids – Taupo
Rapids Jet Taupo
The Rapids jet boat is a unique experience to Lake Taupo and New Zealand because these guys jet boat White Water Rapids! Taupo’s Waikato River and Huka Falls provide the water. Rapids Jet provides the fun.
Shoot through the narrow canyon on crystal clear waters, surf the pressure waves of Nga Awa Purua Rapids and hold on for the spins! as Rapids Jet navigates the Waikato’s biggest rapids for commercial jet boats.
More information:
The best Jet Boat Rides in the South Island of New Zealand.
Jet Boating Trips Hanmer Springs
Amuri Jet Boat Rides Hanmer Springs
Amuri Jet will give you the ride of your life and the opportunity to experience what jet boating is really all about.
Join us for an exciting, thrilling and adrenaline pumping jet boat ride on the Waiau River, following the contours of the steep canyon walls and taking in the shallow river braids all with a backdrop of the beautiful mountains of Hanmer Springs.
Watch out as the boat zooms past the cliff faces with inches to spare and experience the famous Hamilton spin (360 degrees spin).
Hanmer Springs Attractions
Hanmer Springs Attractions offers you the outdoor adventure activities that New Zealand is famous for in the natural environment of Hanmer Springs, just 90 minutes from Christchurch.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Waiau River on this 60 minute, exhilarating jet boat adventure reaching speeds of roughly 90 km with plenty of the famous 360 degree Hamilton Spins. 24 km of narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids.
Our Hanmer Springs jet boat can turn on its own length, its powerful twin V8 engines allow it to manoeuvre in the most incredible manner instantly changing direction and travelling on ankle-deep water.
More Information:
Jet Boating Near Christchurch – Alpine Rivers & Gorge Adventures
Alpine Jet Thrills – Jetboat & Airboat Adventures on the Waimakariri River
Just 45 minutes from Christchurch, Alpine Jet Thrills offers a unique blend of jet boating and New Zealand’s only commercial airboat ride, all on the stunning braided waters of the Waimakariri River. Experience high-speed spins, shallow water agility, and heart-pounding power turns with the Southern Alps as your backdrop.
Their Braided Blast jet boat ride delivers classic Canterbury thrills, while the AirBoat Tour adds a novel Everglades-style adventure, skimming over mere inches of water and giving you access to terrain no jet boat can reach.
Whether you want adrenaline or family-friendly fun, Alpine Jet Thrills offers both.
Discovery Jet – Jet Boating in the Rakaia Gorge
Get ready for a thrilling jet boat ride through the dramatic Rakaia Gorge, just over an hour from Christchurch. Discovery Jet offers a uniquely scenic and exhilarating experience on the Rakaia River — one of New Zealand’s largest braided rivers.
As you skim across turquoise waters beneath towering limestone cliffs, your experienced driver will unleash spins, speed, and narrow canyon maneuvers with inches to spare. This trip is equal parts natural wonder and high-octane thrill.
An absolute must-do for thrill seekers visiting Canterbury.
Jet Boat New Zealand’s remote West Coast
Makarora – Siberia Valley
Wilkin River Jets & Backcountry Helicopters
Let us take you on a personal wilderness journey deep into the ‘timeless land’ of the Makarora and Wilkin Valleys, a special place with rugged ice carved mountains, and ancient river valleys.
From fast paced shallow water jet boating and thrilling scenic helicopter rides to classic backcountry walks, or combining all three for a great value Fly-Walk-Jetboat Combo, the internationally reknown – “Siberia and other Wilderness Adventure” a ‘must do’ for any visitor.
Embrace the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty with knowledgable locals. We have been established since 1968 are the only commercial operator permitted to operate on the Wilkin River.
More Information:
Jet Boating at Wanaka
Go Jets Lake Wanaka’s Clutha River
Let Go Jets Wanaka take you on an exhilarating jetboat ride down the mighty Clutha River.
This thrilling jet boat trip will take you on a breathtaking journey over Lake Wanaka, under the historic Luggate and Albert Town bridges and all the way through to Devils Nook.
Experience adrenalin pumping 360 degree spins on the fast flowing waters of New Zealand’s highest volume river.
With numerous camera stops along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to soak up and capture Wanaka’s spectacular scenery.
An unforgettable adventure that’s suitable for the whole family…
More Information:
Best Jet Boat Trips in Queenstown - it's AWESOME!!
RealNZ Jet Boat On The Shotover & Kawarau River – Queenstown’s Ultimate Ride
Experience Queenstown’s untouched and pristine rivers as your jet boat journey takes you down the historic Kawarau and famous Shotover rivers as you jet boat traverses you through a theatre of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes
Queenstown’s RealNZ Jet delivers a jet boat experience of a whole hour of on-water thrills with 360º spins, skimming the water at exciting speeds of up to 95 kmph and going the furthest distance of 47km, and delightfully complemented by our storytelling commentary by our skippers.
The one hour trip is the ultimate Queenstown jet boating adventure – our highly skilled drivers are a fine blend of personality, skill and professionalism.
And the boat is equipped with twin V8 engines delivering 820 horse power taking you further down the world-famous Kawarau River than any other jet boat company.
More Information:
KJet Boat Rides Queenstown on the Kawarau & Shotover Rivers
This is the ultimate adrenaline fuelled activity and fun for all ages.
The 43-kilometre, hour-long Jet boating experience will be one of the highlights of your time in Queenstown.
Every hour on the hour from 9am to 6pm, step off Queenstown’s Main Town Pier and onto a big yellow KJet boat for your unforgettable Jet boating experience.
Leave down town Queenstown in your wake as you power into the channels of two of New Zealand’s most scenic waterways; The Kawarau & Shotover rivers! Skimming over the pure waters of Lake Wakatipu taking in stunning views of the Remarkables Mountain range, we follow the beautiful willow lined Kawarau River, before pursuing the shallower waters and fast moving braids of the famous Shotover River.
More Information:
Dart River Safaris Jet Boat – Glenorchy
Jet Boat the Dart River
Your Wilderness Jet is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River.
Experience a unique combination of breath taking scenery and exciting jet boating on braided, glacier fed rivers.
Learn from your guide about the areas history, walk amongst the ancient beech forest, unchanged for 80 million years, and pass by scenes used in the Lord of the Rings movies to illustrate Middle Earth.
An authentic New Zealand experience to an untouched world. This is one of the very best Jet Boats Trips in the World, a genuine foray into the heart and soul of New Zealand
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Jet Boat Skippers Canyon – Queenstown
Skippers Canyon Jet
Power deep into Skippers Canyon on New Zealand’s greatest jet boat adventure, ‘Skippers Canyon Jet’.
Experience unbeatable value as you are taken on a spectacular guided tour of Skippers Canyon followed by a thrilling jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River.
Our highly skilled jet boat drivers manoeuvre the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls and keep the excitement levels high with speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of full 360 degree spins.
Race through an imposing canyon stacked high with dramatic rock and hold your breath as your driver navigates past towering canyon walls and precipitous cliff faces.
More information:
Jet Boat Fiordland’s Lake Hauroko & Wairaurahiri River To Waitutu Lodge
The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet
Longest, Most Daring and Exhiliarating Jet Boat Trip In New Zealand.
Jet Boat across Fiordland’s Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaurahiri River – 27 Kms of Grade 3 Rock Strewn Whitewater Rapids to the Wild South Coast and Return.
Aboard the Jet you will speed over Lake Hauroko and then dive into the intake of the Wairaurahiri River – one of New Zealands most remote and untouched rivers.
Unique and secluded, the river flows through Virgin Beech forest that is over 1 million years old.
A spectacular jet boat experience that is an ultimate combination of thrilling jetboating and natural surrounding.
Along the way you will speed past bush clad banks and through rock strewn rapids.
This is a journey deep into the Southern Wilderness of Fiordland. You also have the option of a short walk over the Wairaurahiri Swingbridge into the ancient temperate rainforest.
More information:
Jet boat across Lake Te Anau & Manapouri
Fiordland Jet Te Anau
Fiordland Jet is all about fun and experiences.
Jump onboard an incredible experience of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park and be completely wowed by the simply stunning scenery of this World Heritage location.
Your adventure begins in Te Anau and combines adventure and excitement with spectacular scenery including Lord of the Rings locations.
Besides the unbelievable excitement of the jet boat ride, you will also be informed of the amazing history and geography of this stunning area, by your highly-skilled jet boat driver & guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jet Boating in New Zealand
What makes jet boating a popular activity in New Zealand?
Jet boating is a popular activity in New Zealand because it offers exciting thrills like acceleration, 360-degree spins, and twists while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it suitable for all ages and available all year round.
Where are the best places to experience jet boating in New Zealand?
The best places to experience jet boating in New Zealand include the North Island regions such as Bay of Islands, Whitianga, Rotorua, Taupo, and Lake Wanaka in the South Island, with adventures available on rivers like the Waiau, Waikato, and Shotover.
What does a typical jet boat tour in New Zealand involve?
A typical jet boat tour in New Zealand involves high-speed rides over rivers or lakes, performing spins and maneuvers, passing through narrow canyons or rapids, and often includes scenic commentary and stops at points of interest.
Is jet boating suitable for children and people with different fitness levels?
Yes, jet boating is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, as it is mainly an adrenaline activity that doesn’t require physical exertion, and tours are designed to be enjoyed by everyone.
What are some unique experiences offered by jet boat tours in New Zealand?
Unique experiences include navigating White Water Rapids in Lake Taupo, exploring Lord of the Rings filming locations, riding through historic gold-mining regions like Kawarau Gorge, and scenic wilderness journeys in remote areas like Fiordland and Siberia Valley.
How long do most jet boat rides last?
Jet boat rides in New Zealand typically last between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the operator and location. Wilderness trips like Dart River or Wairaurahiri Jet may take several hours and include scenic stops or walk options.
Do I need to book jet boat tours in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book jet boat tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and school holidays). Some operators offer online booking with flexible cancellation options.
What should I wear on a jet boat ride?
Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and secure footwear. Most operators provide spray jackets or life vests. You may get wet, especially during high-speed spins, so quick-dry or waterproof layers are ideal.
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