25-minute action packed jet boat ridemandatory life jackets

Location & Check-inShotover Jet operates on the Shotover River, just 6 km (about a 5-minute drive) from Queenstown.Check in time at the Shotover Jet River Base is 30 minutes prior to departure.Duration25 minutes on the water – action packed from start to finish.Please allow 1 hour, including the drive from and to Queenstown.Group 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 Queenstown

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

Father and two children on Shotover Jet ride in Queenstown

Jet boat rushing through whitewater in canyon

Smiling passengers on Shotover Jet boat ride

Experiences

Jet Boat Tours

Adventure Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Shotover Jet, Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Duration: 25 mins

Minimum Height: 1.2m

Queenstown Jet Boating: Speed, Spins & Scenic Thrills

The Shotover Jet Boat Ride takes you through narrow canyon walls at impressive speeds, creating a heart‑pounding adventure that still showcases the region’s natural beauty. Skilled drivers bring you thrilling spins while guiding the jet boat with precision. Visitors love how the experience blends excitement with Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes.

This ride has become a New Zealand icon thanks to its long history and carefully crafted routes along the Shotover River. Travellers can expect a smooth check‑in process and friendly staff who share local knowledge before the journey begins. It’s a standout activity for anyone wanting an unforgettable adrenaline rush in one of Queenstown’s most scenic locations.

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

Shotover Jet boat close to rock wall on river

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

25-minute action packed jet boat ride
mandatory life jackets

Location & Check-in

Shotover Jet operates on the Shotover River, just 6 km (about a 5-minute drive) from Queenstown.
Check in time at the Shotover Jet River Base is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Duration

25 minutes on the water – action packed from start to finish.
Please allow 1 hour, including the drive from and to Queenstown.

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

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

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.

Yes – onsite parking is available, along with toilets, retail, secure lockers and viewing areas.

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

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.

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.