Paihia Self-Drive Jet Ski Tours – Explore the Bay of Islands
Updated: 28th August 2026
Drive Your Own Jet Ski on a Guided Bay of Islands Tour
Drive your own jet ski and follow an experienced JetFun guide from Paihia Wharf as you explore the Bay of Islands by water. Choose from three guided self-drive tours to Russell, Roberton Island’s Twin Lagoons or Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, combining the excitement of driving your own jet ski with time to experience some of the Bay’s most popular island destinations.
JetFun Guided Self-Drive Jet Ski Tours from Paihia
JetFun offers guided self-drive jet ski tours departing from Paihia Wharf, giving you the chance to drive your own jet ski while exploring some of the best-known destinations around the Bay of Islands. An experienced guide leads the way, so you get the freedom and excitement of driving the jet ski yourself while travelling as part of a guided tour.
Choose from three different experiences depending on how much time you have and where you want to explore. Cross the bay to Russell and step ashore at The Strand, head out to Roberton Island and the beautiful Twin Lagoons, or take the longer journey to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.
With each tour returning to Paihia, JetFun is an exciting way to see more of the Bay of Islands from the water — with the added fun of being the one behind the controls.
Choose Your JetFun Bay of Islands Jet Ski Tour
The Russell Excursion
85 Minutes - From $199
Drive your own jet ski across the Bay of Islands from Paihia to Russell, following your JetFun guide across the water to one of New Zealand’s most historic seaside towns.
After arriving at The Strand, step ashore and enjoy some time in Russell — grab a coffee, take in the waterfront and heritage buildings, and experience the town from a completely different perspective before getting back on your jet ski for the return journey to Paihia.
Tour duration: 85 minutes
Departs: Paihia Wharf
Destination: Russell – The Strand
Experience: Guided self-drive jet ski tour
Returns to: Paihia Wharf
Twin Lagoon Explorer
125 Minutes - From $349
Drive your own jet ski from Paihia across the Bay of Islands to Roberton Island (Motuarohia), home to the spectacular Twin Lagoons. Follow your JetFun guide across the open water before arriving at one of the Bay of Islands’ most recognisable island destinations.
Step ashore and enjoy around 45 minutes on the island, giving you time to explore the beach and take in the clear turquoise water and beautiful surroundings before returning to your jet ski for the guided journey back to Paihia.
Tour duration: 125 minutes
Departs: Paihia Wharf
Destination: Roberton Island (Motuarohia) – Twin Lagoons
Time ashore: Approximately 45 minutes
Experience: Guided self-drive jet ski tour
Returns to: Paihia Wharf
The Otehei Expedition
150 Minutes - From $449
Set out from Paihia on JetFun’s longest guided self-drive jet ski tour, travelling across the Bay of Islands to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Drive your own jet ski as your guide leads the way through the islands on an exciting journey of approximately 30 kilometres.
On arrival at Otehei Bay, step ashore for around 45 minutes to enjoy the island. Relax by the beach, take in the views or grab a coffee or refreshment from the café before returning to your jet ski for the guided trip back across the Bay to Paihia.
Tour duration: 150 minutes
Departs: Paihia Wharf
Destination: Otehei Bay – Urupukapuka Island
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Time ashore: Approximately 45 minutes
Experience: Guided self-drive jet ski tour
Returns to: Paihia Wharf
How Do JetFun Self-Drive Jet Ski Tours Work?
JetFun tours are self-drive but fully guided. You drive your own jet ski while following an experienced JetFun guide from Paihia Wharf and throughout your chosen Bay of Islands tour.
Before leaving the wharf, JetFun provides a full safety briefing covering how to operate the jet ski and what to expect while out on the water. Life jackets and wind jackets are provided, so you’ll be properly equipped before setting off.
Drivers must be 18 years or older, and no licence is required to drive a jet ski on the tour.
What to Know Before Your JetFun Tour
Minimum driver age: 18 years
Licence required: No
Safety briefing: Provided before departure from Paihia Wharf
Life jacket: Provided
Wind jacket: Provided
Tour format: Self-drive jet ski with a guide leading the tour
Departure point: Paihia Wharf
Frequently Asked Questions About JetFun Paihia Jet Ski Tours
How many jet skis operate on each JetFun tour?
JetFun operates with two customer jet skis plus the guide, creating a small-group experience with plenty of individual attention throughout the tour.
Are JetFun jet ski tours self-drive or guided?
JetFun tours are both self-drive and guided. You drive your own jet ski while following an experienced JetFun guide throughout the tour, from departure at Paihia Wharf until you return.
How old do you have to be to drive a JetFun jet ski?
Drivers must be 18 years or older to drive a jet ski on a JetFun tour.
Do I need a licence to drive a jet ski?
No. You do not need a licence to drive a jet ski on a JetFun guided tour. Operating instructions and a safety briefing are provided before you leave Paihia Wharf.
Do I need previous jet ski experience?
No previous jet ski experience is required. Before departure, JetFun provides a safety briefing and instructions on operating your jet ski so you are comfortable before heading out onto the water with your guide.
What safety equipment is provided?
JetFun provides a life jacket and wind jacket for your tour. A safety briefing is also given at Paihia Wharf before you depart.
Where do JetFun jet ski tours depart from?
JetFun’s guided self-drive jet ski tours depart from and return to Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands.
Which JetFun jet ski tour should I choose?
Choose the Russell Excursion for the shortest experience at 85 minutes, including a stop ashore in historic Russell. The Twin Lagoon Explorer is a 125-minute trip to Roberton Island (Motuarohia) and the Twin Lagoons, while the Otehei Expedition is the longest at 150 minutes, travelling approximately 30 km to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.
What happens if bad weather affects my JetFun tour?
JetFun tours are weather dependent and will only operate when conditions are suitable. If JetFun cancels your tour because of unsuitable weather, you can move your booking to another available day or receive a full refund.