Return shuttle transfers from Queenstown included25-minute high-speed Shotover Jet Boat rideLife jacket provided and required for all riders

Check-in LocationCheck in 45 minutes before departure at our desk inside The Station Building The Station Building is on the corner of Camp Street and Shotover Street, Queenstown CBD Shuttle timings align with selected jet boat departures throughout the day Duration25 minutes on the water – action packed from start to finish.Total experience duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes return, including your Jet Boat rideGroup SizeIntimate small group rides available, with capacity for up to 1,200 guests per day.Jet Boat TypeAll boats are twin-engine jet boats, custom-built for safety and performance.Safety StandardsShotover Jet drivers complete over twice the industry-required training hours. The operator runs a top-tier maintenance and risk management programme.

Shotover Jet Boat Ride with Queenstown Shuttle

Q: Is there a minimum age or height requirement to ride the Shotover Jet?

Children must be at least 1 metre tall to ride the Shotover Jet. In certain weather or river conditions, this may be increased to 1.2 metres for safety. Our child age range is 5–15 years, but we can carry infants aged 3–4 as long as they meet the height requirement.Children aged 10–15 can ride unaccompanied, as long as a parent or guardian is present at the site. Any child under 10 must ride with someone aged 16 or older.If you're travelling with a child under 1 metre, we can arrange split rides for parents or guardians – one adult rides while the other stays with your younger child, then swap. Just let us know at check-in and we’ll help make it work so your family doesn’t miss out on the action.

South Island

Shotover Jet

from

NZ$199

per adult

Book Now

Smiling passengers on Shotover Jet boat ride

Experiences

Jet Boat Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Adventure Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Duration: 1hr 45mins

Minimum Height: 1.2m

Ride the Shotover Jet – With Return Transfers from Queenstown

Enjoy the legendary Shotover Jet Boat Ride with the added convenience of a return shuttle from central Queenstown. This hassle-free option means you’ll be picked up and dropped off, leaving you free to focus on the fun. The ride itself is 25 minutes of high-speed action through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.

Twin-engine jet boats, expert local drivers and 360-degree spins make this one of Queenstown’s must-do adventures. Heated handrails and supplied life jackets keep you comfortable and safe in all seasons. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, this tour offers unbeatable convenience and iconic South Island scenery.

Father and two children on Shotover Jet ride in Queenstown

Shotover Jet boat doing a high-speed 360 spin

Shotover Jet speeding through canyon with water spray

Shotover Jet executing a tight canyon turn

Jet boat near Edith Cavell Bridge in Queenstown

Shotover Jet speeding toward Edith Cavell Bridge

Shotover Jet racing through narrow Shotover River canyon

Shotover Jet boat entering tight rock passage

Jet boat rushing through whitewater in canyon

Shotover Jet boat close to rock wall on river

Shotover Jet boat spraying water at high speed

Jet boat near old mining tractor in Shotover Canyon

Shotover Jet with antique mining tractor on rocks

Top-down view of Shotover Jet boat doing 360 spin

Shotover Jet racing toward Edith Cavell Bridge

Aerial view of Shotover Jet doing 360 spin in canyon

Return shuttle transfers from Queenstown included
25-minute high-speed Shotover Jet Boat ride
Life jacket provided and required for all riders

Check-in Location

Check in 45 minutes before departure at our desk inside The Station Building
The Station Building is on the corner of Camp Street and Shotover Street, Queenstown CBD
Shuttle timings align with selected jet boat departures throughout the day

Duration

25 minutes on the water – action packed from start to finish.
Total experience duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes return, including your Jet Boat ride

Group Size

Intimate small group rides available, with capacity for up to 1,200 guests per day.

Jet Boat Type

All boats are twin-engine jet boats, custom-built for safety and performance.

Safety Standards

Shotover Jet drivers complete over twice the industry-required training hours. The operator runs a top-tier maintenance and risk management programme.

Cancellations more than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Frequently asked questions

Children must be at least 1 metre tall to ride the Shotover Jet. In certain weather or river conditions, this may be increased to 1.2 metres for safety. Our child age range is 5–15 years, but we can carry infants aged 3–4 as long as they meet the height requirement.

Children aged 10–15 can ride unaccompanied, as long as a parent or guardian is present at the site. Any child under 10 must ride with someone aged 16 or older.

If you're travelling with a child under 1 metre, we can arrange split rides for parents or guardians – one adult rides while the other stays with your younger child, then swap. Just let us know at check-in and we’ll help make it work so your family doesn’t miss out on the action.

There’s no set weight limit, but you must be able to fit securely into one of our life jackets – we have larger sizes available to accommodate most guests.

If you’re unable to get in or out of the jet boat without assistance, a support person must accompany you and be booked on the same trip.

If you’re unsure about suitability or have specific accessibility needs, feel free to contact our friendly team – we’re happy to help.

Phones and cameras can only be used when the boat is stationary. Head-mounted GoPros may be worn throughout the ride.

Dress for the weather – warm clothes, gloves, jacket and hat are recommended in colder months. Heated handrails are fitted for extra comfort.

Yes – a little splash is all part of the fun! While you won’t get soaked, you may catch some spray during the ride, especially if you're seated on the sides. If you’d prefer to stay drier, aim for a centre seat when boarding.

We recommend wearing waterproof or warm layers depending on the season, and a life jacket will be provided. For safety, all electronic devices should be left in our secure lockers before boarding.