Riverjet Thrill Ride Thermal Safari & Squeeze.
New Zealand River Jet Ultimate Boat Ride
NZ Riverjet specialises in providing an out-of-the-ordinary Jet Boating experience. With trips ranging from one hour to five and a half hours, we provide our guests with an authentic New Zealand encounter. Take in the delights of Orakei Korako, one of the world’s top five geothermal parks, or brave The Squeeze, one of New Zealand’s most popular jet boat excursions. All excursions include guided stops, breathtaking locations, and a 30-minute adrenaline ride. TripAdvisor Activity with a 5-star rating.
The Thermal Safari Thrill Ride is the world’s only jet boat trip that combines a stunning geothermal wonderland with an adrenaline-pumping jet boating experience, making it an unforgettable encounter for anybody visiting Taupo or Rotorua.
Jet Boat down the Waikato River, passing through the magnificent Tutukau Gorge on your way to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal destinations.
With its assortment of vibrantly coloured terraces, boiling mud, hot geysers, secret caverns, and silica terraces, Orakei Korako evokes a sense of another universe. Be one of the fortunate few who have had the opportunity to get up up and personal with a piece of New Zealand landscape.
New Zealand Riverjet Thrill Options
Operating from October 2022
Thermal Safari Thrill Ride
Price: $229 per person – Child $125 pp
Duration: 2 Hours
Departures: 11 am & 2 pm
Board the jet boat and speed down the Waikato River, donutting, shooting close to riverbanks, and experiencing the famed Hamilton spins.
Cruising through the beautiful Tutukau Gorge, where the canyon walls soar over 50 metres above the water, you’ll see an abundance of bird life, pine woods, scorching volcanic river banks, and trout feeding spots. Our drivers will educate you about the area’s rich history and unique wildlife as you make your journey down to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal sites.
Step off your jet boat and into a magnificent geothermal paradise for an hour of exploration of Taupo’s secret valley, ‘Orakei Korako’.
Don’t miss the jade-green Emerald Terrace, New Zealand’s largest terrace, or the opportunity to witness any of the 35 active geysers in Orakei Korako explode, see boiling mud, be enchanted by the gentle steam flowing from Rainbow Terrace, or enjoy a steamy latte at The Mudcake Cafe while overlooking Lake Ohakuri.
The Ultimate Thermal Safari Thrill Ride
Price: $399 per person – Child $199 pp
Duration: 5.5 to 6 Hours
Departures: 9 am pick up from Rotorua or Lake Taupo
The Thermal Safari is the world’s first jet boat excursion that combines a stunning geothermal wonderland with an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride. This ULTIMATE package includes complimentary transportation and additional attractions: Pick-up and drop-off from your Rotorua or Taupo accommodation, excursions and guided tours to some of New Zealand’s most magnificent natural wonders, followed by a Riverjet Boat ride to ‘The Thermal Safari’. No other activity in New Zealand combines the Kiwi icons Riverjet and Orakei Korako into one incredible day!
Jet Boat down the Waikato River, passing through the magnificent Tutukau Gorge. On your walk down to Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal sites, you’ll see extensive bird life, pine woods, hot volcanic river banks, and trout feeding spots. As you go through this amazing thermal reserve, you’ll come across hot mud, geysers, and silica terraces. This incredible experience takes you up close and personal with a bit of New Zealand beauty that only a handful have seen. The breathtaking panorama of the huge Waikato River transports you back in time as you softly sail through the beautiful Tutukau Gorge, where canyon walls rise abruptly to 50 metres above the river.
The gorgeous indigenous vegetation and plentiful wildlife you’ll meet will make an indelible impact. Our drivers will describe the area’s rich history and unique wildlife at various stops along the journey.
The Squeeze – Take on the Squeeze by disembarking the boat into knee-deep warm water and making your way towards a tight opening in the rock face ahead of you.
After negotiating small crevasses, rock climbing, and swimming through warm waist-deep water, you emerge into spectacular native New Zealand vegetation.
The Riverjet Scenic blast
Price: Adult $139 per person Child $89 Family Deal $399 (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Duration: 50 Minutes
Departures: 10 am
A 50 minute, high-octane jetboat ride with NZ’s best boat drivers.
With our Scenic Blast, you may get the jet boat experience of your dreams at the greatest price. Our courteous driver will take you on a ride along the magnificent Waikato River, enabling you to see in all of its splendour. The driver will gladly enlighten you on the local nature and New Zealand endemic birds. They have intriguing stories to tell about the Maori tribal conflicts from the perspective of New Zealand natives desperate to seize this magnificent territory.
Daily at 10 a.m., the scenic blast takes you down our magnificent Waikato river for a 50-minute, 36-kilometer return ride. Begin with a gorgeous jet boat ride on New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato. Birds, pine woods, farmlands, native flora, the 50-metre-tall Tutukau Gorge, scorching volcanic river sides, and spot trout are all on display.
On your way back, our jet boat driver will put the pedal to the metal and whisk you away on an amazing thrill trip! This includes the world-renowned Hamilton spills! Therefore, brace yourselves and prepare for some genuine entertainment!
This low-cost jet boat excursion sells out quickly. We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to ensure availability.
N.B. The Ultimate Thermal Safari Thrill ride offers the additional option of: a pick up from Rotorua or Taupo and the opportunity to experience ‘The Squeeze’.
Pickups from Rotorua include a guided tour of Rainbow Mountain Crater Lake, NZ’s most active Mud Pools and Hot and Cold Thermal River and pickups from Taupo include a guided tour of Huka Falls & Araratia Rapids
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera, phone or GoPro
• Any medication you may require
• An additional sweatshirt or jacket
