Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
25 minutes
Mobile ticket
Prepare yourself for the ultimate jet boating experience with Shotover Jet - the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
Locker facilities available for personal belongings
Check-in is 30 min prior to jet boat ride departure if self-driving to the river base
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
THE SPECTACULAR SHOTOVER CANYONS. ONLY WE CAN TAKE YOU THERE! The only way to experience our Canyons, see their beauty and feel their power, is to come on a journey with us, the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish! Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, our connection to the Kimiākau (Shotover River) goes back centuries. As the home of our tīpuna (ancestors), this place is part of us. Only we have access to the spectacular Shotover Canyons and no one knows this area like we do!
What‘s Included
Full 360 degree spins on the jet boat
Exclusive access to the Shotover canyons with your highly skilled and entertaining jet boat driver
Informative commentary and local stories of the history of the river
Access to retail store to view your photos and videos and purchase merchandise
Lots of free parking onsite
Adrenaline Jet boat ride on the world's most exciting jet boat ride
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Shotover Jet
Jet Boat Adventure: Departs from Shotover River.
Shotover Jet + Transport
Jet Boat & transport from QT: Includes return transport from Queenstown, check-in is 45 mins prior to departure in the Station Building, Queenstown CBD
Pickup included
Reviews
2,543 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exhilarating Experience
Travel25607166295,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Professionally & slickly handled from start to finish. Exhilarating experience. Can't wait to do it again with Shotover next time in new Zealand
Thrills and scenery on the water
Z3162MGtoma,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and thrilling experience for anyone who likes some speed, scenery and being on the water. It’s just the right length and you’re given a few opportunities to take pictures when the boat is stopped. Roundtrip time from Queenstown is about 2 hours (from getting on the shuttle bus, doing the ride, and back in Queenstown). The boats are highly skilled and experienced. Our driver said he has done over 3000 rides!
Great experience
Dreamer00876396281,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience. Awesome staff, well organised. Streamline from the get go. All in all just awesome fun. Will definitely be back
Would repeat every visit !
Elizabeth M,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s an outdoor speed boat navigating rapid and shallow water through river bed and gorge….. you will get wet
Exciting, not too wet, not too long
Explorer24561358020,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed this. You can bring your phone for pictures but only when they stop and tell you to bring out your phone . Otherwise it needs to be secured otherwise it will go overboard and never be seen again.
Best Experience
Michelle F,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Our boat driver was brilliant. Super friendly and made sure we had the best trip. I always felt safe. Must do!
Toni
Toni J,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved the jet boat ride. The scenery is gorgeous, speed and turns make your heart thump and our driver Joe was funny and friendly. Didn’t even get wet. Highly recommend for everyone.
Thrills with a little bit of pee 😆
clarewP9429WH,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brill experience with the fam!! Thrill and excitement in a ball of thunder provided by our awesome driver - shout out to our Aussie driver 👌🏻. Highly recommend for everyone ❤️
Thrilling river ride is an absolute must!
andrewtN5290DC,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Shotover Jet boat ride had been recommended to us by friends for when we were staying in Queenstown. We were picked up from their offices and taken to the river, kitted out with life jackets and goggles and then we were off! We both thought it was absolutely brilliant. It was exhilarating from start to finish, our driver explained what we were going to be doing and we felt totally safe whilst also being thrilled! We would recommend this to anyone - you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to love it and there’s nothing to fear. All the staff were great, and they are all highly trained.
Shotover Jet boats- Must Do
louiserK8493YL,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What amazing experience. Our driver "YORKIE JOE" was brilliant and really made the ride. It's a must do. It ticked all our boxes.
From NZ$183.59
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Operated by Shotover Jet Ltd