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
Children 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
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!
Options
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
Shotover Jet
Jet Boat Adventure: Departs from Shotover River.
What‘s Included
Exclusive access to the Shotover River canyons
Professional and highly skilled jet boat driver
Full 360° spins and high-speed manoeuvres
Informative commentary and local stories throughout the experience
Safety briefing and all required safety equipment (life jackets)
25-minute high-speed jet boat ride on the Shotover River
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,795 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience
Ateeq U,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Fun activity, definitely gets very windy so layers and eye protection is recommended, the drivers are very skilled and 25 minutes are worth it, but they lost my pictures :(
Excellent experience
SimN35,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent and worth the money.
Great Scenery, Moderate Thrills
170nicole ,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Fun experience in Queenstown and worth doing if you haven’t tried it before. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the ride lasts about 20–25 minutes with beautiful scenery and frequent stops. In terms of thrills, it’s fairly moderate—there are a couple of 360° turns and some moderate to high speeds in the canyon, but it’s not a major adrenaline experience. For me, the scenery was the highlight, with the ride itself being fairly average. The photo system was under maintenance, which we were informed about prior to the ride and told we could use our phones instead, although this was a bit unfortunate as it meant we didn’t get any photos. I would recommend the Shotover River jet boat if you’re after the views, but if you’re looking for more of a thrill, the open lake options may be better.
Best jet boat ride in town
Lucy R,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a really fun thing to do. The jet boat is so much fun and it’s a great way to experience the Shotover river. Highly recommend!
Great experience
DharmeshS138,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The activity is located at a 15 mins distance from queenstown. They have a pickup from queenstown downtown.the drive very beautiful. They are amazing with their safety. They have lockers available free of cost. Be warmly dressed specially with gloves and a tight beanie. The ride is amazing and fun. Go for it.
Not again
KwanYoung K,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Check in staff at the counter in town was not friendly. Although actual riding was somehow fun but overall experience was not what i expected.
Fantastic experience!
TOULA T,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I are in our mid 70’s but we still wanted to experience the Shotover Jetboat ride. Getting in & out of the boat was easy & the ride was fantastic! So glad we did it!
So much fun
Annie H,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the coolest boat ride I've ever done. Definitely worth experiencing. If I'm ever back in the area I will bring whoever is with me to do this again.
Don’t miss
Pratik S,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing thrill must do activity in Queenstown, Enjoyed a lot with out friends and children 👌👌👌👍👍
Shotover fun
M4848ZWjoannet,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing, thanks Rob! Great driver great knowledge funny and fast! Had to do it twice 🤣 and will definitely be back. Amazing scenery and we didn’t hit any rocks 🤣 keep up the good work and see you soon
Related Experiences
Operated by Shotover Jet Ltd