Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Shotover River jet boat adventure from Queenstown
Feel a rush of adrenaline as you power down the river at top speeds
Experience fun 360-degree spins and fishtails
Multiple tours throughout the day to conveniently fit into your schedule

What's Included

Jet boat ride

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

3 Arthurs Point Road
3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your departure time at our river base in Arthurs Point.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

At your chosen time, hop aboard a complimentary shuttle bus in downtown Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital.’ After a short ride through New Zealand’s once-thriving gold country, arrive on the shores of the Shotover River to embark on your high-speed jet boat ride.

Hold on tight as the driver expertly navigates the jet boat over white-water rapids and squeezes through the narrow canyon walls of the Shotover. Pass sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops, then feel your adrenaline pumping as the boat makes trick maneuvers, twists, and turns. Once back on firm ground, relax on the shuttle transfer back to Queenstown. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimum age is 5 years and child must be at least 3 feet (1 meter) in height; dependent on water conditions, the operator reserves the right to increase the minimum height to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
Lifejackets are provided
Please allow 1.5 hours for return trip from Queenstown if taking shuttle bus
Near public transportation

Locker facilities available for personal belongings
Check-in is 30 min prior to jet boat ride departure
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Natthinee_C

The location is beautfiul and exciting The staff is friendly, punctual and our boat driver is skillful. I would recommend you to add this tour on your lists.

Reviews

5.0

1,610 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 1,610 reviews

Exhilarating moments!

Diane_H, Sept 2023

Fantastic! Our driver was extremely capable of manoeuvring the jet boat and instilled confidence in all of us onboard. We had the best time not only fearing for our lives but feeling completely safe at the same time. Exhilarating would be a good way to describe the trip.

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora Diane, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. So happy to hear you and your whanau had a fantastic time on our trip and memories to last you a lifetime! Our drivers train very rigorously to be able to provide this experience in a safe and enjoyable manner. Your compliments will definitely be passed on to the team. We look forward to your next visit to Shotover Jet. Please feel free to tell your friends and family about our trip Nga Mihi Customer Experience Team

Jet boat experience

Melissa_B, Sept 2023

We had a ball on the jet boat our driver was brilliant didn’t disappoint at all would like it to go a bit longer so much fun thanks

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora Melissa, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review So happy to hear you and your whanau had a fantastic time on our trip and memories to last you a lifetime! We look forward to your next visit to Shotover Jet Please feel free to tell your friends and family about our trip. Nga Mihi Customer Experience Team

Amazin!

Jorja_R, Sept 2023

Definitely the instructor! So sorry forgot his name, he was great though. Very calm like manner and made the trip very enjoyable!

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora Jorja, We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We hope to see you again in the future. Please feel free to tell your friends and family about our trip. Nga Mihi Customer Experience Team

Do not miss it!

Cesar_F, Sept 2023

Great experience, fully recommended!! Perfectly safe but full of adrenaline. And the views are great too. Do not miss it!

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora Cesar, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5 star review. We are glad you had a great time on the trip! Our canyons are certainly something to be experienced first hand! The beautiful scenery adds to the mix. Our drivers train very rigorously to be able to provide this experience in a safe and enjoyable manner. Your compliments will definitely be passed on to the team. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Never looses its appeal

John_E, Sept 2023

There us nothing quite like the original NZ jet boat extreme ride. Still as good as it was almost 30 years ago.

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora John, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a five star review. We are stoked you were able to come and enjoy the Shotover Jet experience again, and it was still living up to your expectations. We hope to see you again in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

big adventure

Tariq_A, Sept 2023

very beautiful i like it i will do it again. good job, expert driver. friendly staff. thank you. Wellington.

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Kia Ora Tariq, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We hope to see you again in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Great fun. Beautiful views

Andrew_P, Aug 2023

Great fun. Scary but not too terrifying. Suitable for all ages. Like a water park roller coaster but with stunning views

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Kia Ora Andrew, We are glad you enjoyed the thrill and adventurous aspect of our trip. Our drivers train very rigorously to be able to provide this experience in a safe and enjoyable manner. Your compliments will definitely be passed on to the team. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Jet Customer Service Team

A Must Do Thrill

Trish_O, Aug 2023

It was fantastic & totally worth it, it’s my first time and highly recommend it, it’s the third time for my 80yr old travel buddy and she said it gets better every time. Our driver Joe was excellent his ability to get up close to the edges and still remain in the water was fantastic and to get in tight to the canyon walls with out touching them is a real skill, the 360’s he absolutely nailed them 👍

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Kia Ora Trish, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad you had such an amazing time with Joe. He's definitely a great entertainer with a brilliant sense of humor! Your compliments shall definitely be passed on to him. We are stoked you were able to come an experience the Jet for the first time and your travel partner for a third time! We look forward to your next visit to us at Shotover Jet. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Jet Customer Service Team

Amusement

Natthinee_C, Aug 2023

The location is beautfiul and exciting The staff is friendly, punctual and our boat driver is skillful. I would recommend you to add this tour on your lists.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Kia Ora! Thank you so much for your kind review. We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We hope to see you again in the future.

Best eva!

Vanessa_B, Aug 2023

The entire trip was amazing, so grateful and blessed to have shared the experience with my kids. Thankyou x

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. So happy to hear you and your whanau had a fantastic time on our trip and memories to last you a lifetime! We hope to see you and your family again in the future. Ngā Mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Get into it

Scott_P, Jul 2023

Well organized, exhilarating and fun. We all got a buzz from our experience. A must do in Queenstown.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora Scott, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, so glad to hear that our 360 spins and epic wall to wall canyon action left you all with such a buzz. Thank you for reiterating our status as a Queenstown must do! Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Absolutely brilliant

Gail_S, Jul 2023

Matthew was awesome I sat behind him and he gave me the thrill of my life thank you so much I tell everyone to come and experience the ride of your life xx

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora Gail, We are glad you had such an amazing time with Matthew. He's definitely a great entertainer with a brilliant sense of humour! Your compliments shall definitely be passed on to him. Your word of mouth recommendation is the best publicity we can ask for so thank you very much for that! Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

The best boat ride we have experienced

Naama_B, Jul 2023

The best. OMG The driver was so professional. This is really extreme!!!!!!!! The shotover river is so beautiful. The whole this is just perfect

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora, The trip is a great mix of adrenalin pumping excitement and beautiful scenery in the hands of our very capable drivers who train very hard to deliver the spectacular experience. We are glad you enjoyed your time with us and left with lifetime memories! We hope to see you again soon in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Family fun

Andrew_C, Jul 2023

Awesome fun had by all 6 of us. Driver was friendly and it was a great all round experience. We would definitely do that again.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora, Our drivers train very rigorously to be able to provide this experience in a safe and enjoyable manner. Your compliments will definitely be passed on to the team. We can't wait to see you again in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Fun vibe and thrill ride. Definately recommend

Rebecca_C, Jul 2023

Fun vibe from start to finish. Pumping music, friendly enthusiastic staff and experienced driver. It was a great way to explore more of Queenstown gorgeous scenery with an added thrill!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora, We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! And that we could show you a bit of Queenstown's scenery in a fun and enjoyable way. The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We look forwards to seeing you again in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Had a blast. Worth the $$. Would do again.

Matthew_P, Jul 2023

Parents and teens (3) all had a blast. Drivers (and staff) were so friendly and capable. Loved the thrill of travelling down the narrow gorge at almost 90km/hr, doing 360's and skimming past the rocks so close you could almost touch them. We had to move our booking - no problem and no cost. Looked at some other jet boat rides, but so glad we went with Shotover Jet. Totally worth the $ - great photos, no regrets and a great company.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Kia Ora, We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! Fantastic to hear you thoroughly enjoyed our 360 spins and epic wall to wall canyon action! The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We look forwards to seeing you again in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

Jet boat

Matthew_B, Jun 2023

For me, perfect amount of time on the boat. Speeding through the gorges was exhilarating. It was a bit rainy during the trip but very enjoyable. Great crew!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. It is fantastic to hear you thoroughly enjoyed our 360 spins and epic wall to wall canyon action! We are glad you found the trip to be worthwhile and it definitely pays to dress warm on the cold days! We are glad you enjoyed a smooth experience from start to the finish! The whole team works hard to provide excellent manaakitanga (hospitality) to all our manuhiri (customers) and it's great to hear positive feedback. We hope to see you again in the future. Ngā Mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Customer Service Team

A must do experience in...

Christine_N, Jun 2023

A must do experience in Queenstown. It was a fun and thrilling way to start our day. Highly recommended activity.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review So happy to hear you had a fantastic time on our trip. Thank you for reiterating our status as a Queenstown must do! We look forwards to seeing you again in the future. Ngā Mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Jet Customer Service Team

Shot over

Vanessa_P, Jun 2023

Best jet boat I've been on, female driver was boss lol, loved the turns, walked off abit soaked 🤣 highly recommend shot over to anyone🙌🏽

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia Ora Vanessa, We are glad you had a fantastic time on our trip and thank you for reiterating us as a Queenstown 'must-do'. We often find that people who are nervous end up having more fun than the others! Our drivers train very hard to provide a thrilling yet safe experience for all ages, we also love Nardia and will be sure to pass on your compliments to her. Kind Regards, Shotover Jet Customer Service Team

It was a great experience...

Scott_M, May 2023

It was a great experience and glad we chose this top do. They made it fun and informative. Very exciting

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia Ora Scott, Thank you for your 5-star review. We have high performance boats designed specifically for the canyons, riding the rapids and performing thrilling, gravity-defying stunts within a hair's breadth of the awe -inspiring cliff faces. We are so happy to hear about you experience. We hope to see you again soon in the future. Ngā mihi / Kind regards, Shotover Jet Customer Service Team

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