Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

Overview

Available languages

English

35 minutes

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 5 years or 1 meter tall

Family Pass includes 2 Adults and 2 Children

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga Awa Purua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush!

What‘s Included

Parking and Bathroom Facilities Available

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Fitted Life Jackets provided

Experienced Professional Guide

Souvenir photos (for purchase for NZ$45)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Options

Waikato River Jet Boat Ride

Option 1: 35min Jet boat experience. Speeding off at 80km/h you will encounter two sets of fantastic white water Rapids. These will show you the narrowest part of the Waikato River.

Reviews

4.93

1,441 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1358

A brilliant experience
E1791THjuliep,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an awesome trip with Taylah! The river is stunningly beautiful but Taylah made it even more special with all her info about the river, power station and all the movies shot on the rapids. A brilliant experience
Hilarious and adrenaline packed family activity
amyrL961KA,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the jet-boating as a family of four (kids aged 10 and 7) and we all absolutely loved it. It was so fast, so fun and so completely hilarious to hear our youngest kid screaming and giggling with glee. Thanks to our driver Shannon for being so knowledgeable and trustworthy. We would thoroughly recommend this 💛🖤
Fantastic experience.
MarkAH1507,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a blast. Were booked on a lunchtime ride but this was postponed due to heavy rain. The excellent and friendly staff said there was a good chance of a window in the weather at about 3:15pm so we headed into Taupo for lunch and sure enough the rain subsided around 3pm and we got the thumbs up. The skipper was great and we whizzed up and down the river for over 30 minutes doing numerous 360s and flying over some great rapids numerous times. He stopped and explained the geography of the river and some of the films and locations used during the trip which was really interesting. We are so glad we decided to take the later trip before heading on to Rorotura. Thoroughly recommend it and thank you to all involved at Rapids Jet Taupo.
Amazing family fun activity.
stephenlC9652MV,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant fun for the whole family, best thing to do on a slightly wet day. Our driver Taylah had excellent knowledge of everything about the river and the dam. Highly recommended.
Great family experience.
tomsmith2019,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The best jet boat experience. Our driver Tayla was skillful and entertaining. Fun for the whole family….we had 10yr old through to a 74 yr old. Would absolutely do it again.
Rapid Jets - Rollin down the river
Vacation25035079432,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great rush! Taylor knew how to handle that boat!! Awesome spins & drifts. Just what you needed to start the day! Great photos & video by Shannon to purchase. Man! There's a lot of Power in the Waikato river!
Rapids & 360 twirls!
kuinit2026,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Way cool start to the day! Taylor owned that boat and took us on a RIDE! She also shared fun facts about the river. Shannon took some awesome pics which are available to purchase at the end. Awesome experience! Highly recommend
What a blast!
nz20192019,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fantastic trip up and down the Waikato from Aratiatia power station downriver for a few km. Fast and furious boat with some fabulous spins. Great information from the brilliant driver Tayla. Highly recommend
Great family fun, sweet as
stephenlC9652MV,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An absolute must do!! Great fun for our family. Taylor was our expert driver and full of knowledge of the river and surrounds. Highly recommended to everyone
Thrilling.
mcgonaglebarry,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Found Rapids Jet last year and had the most incredible time. This was a return visit and it was even better than before. Well organised and Shannon was a very skilled, knowledgable and funny! Can’t recommend this enough!