Jet Boat Queenstown – Thunder Jet Kawarau River Ride
Updated: 22 nd February 2026.
Jet Boat Queenstown – Thunder Jet Kawarau River Ride
Experience one of the most thrilling jet boat rides in Queenstown on the Kawarau River. Departing from central Steamer Wharf, this high-speed adventure delivers powerful acceleration, tight canyon turns and signature 360° spins. Covering more river distance than many operators, it’s classic Queenstown jet boating with unbeatable downtown access.
High-Speed Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau River
Looking for the ultimate jet boat ride in Queenstown? Thunder Jet delivers high-speed jet boating on the Kawarau River, launching from central Steamer Wharf and blasting straight into narrow canyon runs. Expect powerful acceleration, precision turns and signature 360° spins as your expert driver weaves through river braids and dramatic canyon walls, sharing local gold-mining history and film locations along the way.
From calm lake reflections to rugged river gorges framed by alpine peaks, the scenery shifts fast. It’s classic Queenstown jet boating with unbeatable downtown access and no long transfers.
Choose the 30-minute ride for a sharp adrenaline hit between activities, or the 60-minute experience to travel further down the Kawarau with more river distance, extra spins and time for photos. Morning rides bring crisp reflections, while late afternoon delivers golden light across the mountains.
Step off buzzing — and already planning round two.
30-Minute Jet Boat Ride
Price: Adults: $109-00 per person – Child: $55-00 per person (Family package $273)
Duration: 30 Minutes
Departs: 11:00 am -12:00 pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm Steamer Wharf Queenstown Lakefront ( We are HERE )
A punchy sampler from Steamer Wharf into Lake Wakatipu and the lower Kawarau River. Rapid runs, tight turns and classic 360° spins—perfect between other Queenstown activities.
60- Minute Jet Boat Ride
Price: Adults: $149-00 per person – Child: $75-00 per person (Family package $373)
Duration: 60 Minutes
Departs: 11:00 am -12:00 pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm Steamer Wharf Queenstown Lakefront ( We are HERE ).
The full adventure. Travel further down the Kawarau River for longer fast sections, extra spins, scenic pauses and commentary on film spots and gold-mining history.
Thunder Jet departures & check-in
- Popular afternoon departures often sell out in peak season.’
- Looking for a jet boat that departs right from town? Thunder Jet launches from Steamer Wharf — no bus transfers required.
- Check-in: Watersports Kiosk, Steamer Wharf, Beach Street (central Queenstown)
- Arrive: 15 minutes early for gear-up and safety briefing
- What’s provided: Life jacket; spray jacket as required
- Storage: Small items can be stowed at check-in (staff discretion)
What to wear & bring
Dress for conditions—wind-chill is real on the water. A warm layer and sunglasses help; in winter add gloves and a beanie. Cameras/phones are welcome at your risk (strap recommended). You may catch spray, so plan accordingly.
Who can ride?
Family-friendly with sensible minimums (low age/weight) and driver discretion. Not recommended during pregnancy or for some back/neck conditions—if unsure, check with staff before booking. Children 12+ may ride without an adult at the driver’s discretion.
Thunder Jet Boat and Rafting On the Kawarau Gorge
Price: $319 per person
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Departs: 9:00 am & 2:00 pm
Here is your chance to pair two of Queenstown’s most iconic experiences. Packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls as you discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness. The jet boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport. Jump straight into a raft with the team to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand-new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies. Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
- Jet Boat for 30 minutes down Lake Wakatipu & the Kawarau river
- Experience Thunder Jet’s famous 360 spins
- Rafting on the Kawarau River
- Grade 2-3 whitewater rapids
- Cliff jumping and rapid swimming
- Hot showers at base
Experience two of Queenstown’s best activities and book now
Why Thunder Jet Queenstown is so great??
Awesome music on board
Picture this: you’re skimming the surface, hair streaming, grinning like mad—then the tunes kick in. Ta-da! You’re in your own music video. Everyone’s doing it, and yes, the 360s look even better to a beat.
A lot of fun and great value
Choose your flavour: a punchy 30-minute blast or the full 60-minute adventure. Both launch from Steamer Wharf and head into the Kawarau River for more scenery, more action, more “whoa, did we just do that?”
Need an adrenaline fix?
This is where the 360° spins happen—plus rapid acceleration and slick shallow-water moves. Speeds can nudge around 90 km/h (conditions dependent), so bring your game face and a sense of humour.
Passenger safety & satisfaction
Thunder Jet skippers are that perfect blend of personality, skill and professionalism. Clear briefings, snug life jackets, and boats maintained to high commercial standards—so you can focus on the fun while they handle the serious stuff.
N.B.
If you’ve got an existing medical condition (e.g., back/neck, pregnancy), just let the team know before you ride. They’ll look after you.
Other Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu Activity Options:
Planning multiple activities? Morning jet boat, afternoon parasail, sunset shark ride — all within walking distance.
Making a day of it on Lake Wakatipu? These Queenstown water adventures pair perfectly with Thunder Jet.
The Shark Ride
Dive and leap across Lake Wakatipu in a semi-submersible shark machine. Fast, loud and totally unique — a 15-minute adrenaline hit from downtown Queenstown.
Parasailing Queenstown
Fly high above Lake Wakatipu with smooth take-offs and panoramic alpine views. Solo, tandem or triple flights — and you’ll “fly high, stay dry.”
Self Drive Freedom
Take control of your own jet ski and carve across Lake Wakatipu with guided routes and epic mountain backdrops..
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