5 Speedboat Tours in New Zealand Worth Booking

1.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Our pick

Hold on as an expert driver races through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skims shallow rapids, and performs full 360-degree spins. The 25-minute ride includes safety gear, commentary, and access to a shuttle from central Queenstown. Drivers such as Peter, Joe, Paul, and Matt have earned strong praise for skill and humor.

“It is fun and involves turns and some splashes. No need to over pack. At some stops, okay to take out cell phone for photos”

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2.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89Best value

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 km/h, repeated 360-degree spins, heated handrails, mountain views, and a good chance of getting wet.

“Easy location, excellent customer service by phone and in person. The guide was very friendly and considerate. It was absolutely awesome!!! You are bound to get wet especially if you are sitting in a corner so be prepared. We loved it though.”

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3.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89

Ride a 550-horsepower jet boat through the Waikato River’s Nga Awa Purua rapids and narrow canyon near Taupo. Your guide provides local stories, wildlife notes, and history between high-speed spins. Boats carry up to 11 people, with drivers including Jacob, Shannon, and Taylah.

“Jacob's knowledge about the river and his amazing 360 turns and jumps. Interesting movie set stories and scenery were amazing. His ability to handle tight turns and speed of the 550HP motor was exilerating.”

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4.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

Ride with Shotover Jet through the narrow Shotover Canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown. Your English-speaking driver handles rapids, rock walls, and fast 360-degree spins. The 25-minute ride includes safety gear and commentary, with an optional shuttle from town.

“This was just a great experience, very thrilling and felt like a long time on the boat. Our jet boat driver Will was very expert and gave us good insights into the boat and the history of the river. Thank you for a great experience!”

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5.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Travel from Queenstown with guides such as Cal, Dan, or Willy along the cliff-hugging Skippers Road, then ride a jet boat through the upper Shotover River. Expect 30 minutes of high-speed turns, canyon walls, photo stops, and a memorable backcountry adventure for $118.

“We had a blast! Prepare to be driven down the canyon on the very edge of the mountainside! What a thrill just riding to the River! The jet boat was great. Dan was our guide and he was funny and knowledgable about the history of the area and our boat driver was awesome too. Def worth the money!”

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