Queenstown: Jet Boat Adventure with Thunder Jet
About This Experience
Experience a 30 or 60-minute adventure in the heart of Queenstown with this jet boating tour. Jump on for an adrenaline rush with 360-degree spins and speeds of up to 95 kilometers an hour.
Highlights
- Enjoy Queenstown's unspoiled wilderness from the water
- Take on a full hour of thrilling action or enjoy a taste on a 30-minute trip
- Experience exhilarating 360-degree spins and speeds of up to 95 km/hr
- Perfect mix of adrenaline, nature, and storytelling
- Stunning views of The Remarkables and Queenstown's dramatic alpine landscape
What's Included
- ✓ 30-minute or 1-hour jet boat ride, depending on the option selected
- ✓ Life jacket
- ✓ Live commentary in English
- ✓ Full safety briefing before departure
- ✓ Locker for your valuables during the ride
- ✓ Departure from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Good to Know & Caveats
- There are plenty of stops for photos - you can bring your camera at your own risk
- There will be a locker for you to store your valuables during the experience
- All trips require minimum numbers to operate within health and safety guidelines. If minimum numbers are not met, then we will offer travelers to reschedule or provide a full refund.
- Jet boating is a great family activity, and there are no height restrictions, so the whole family can join in
- Jet boating is not recommended if you are pregnant
Not Suitable For
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
Meeting Point
Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 231 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The whole family and I had a blast! Mitch was an awesome host! The kids loved him! Would recommend to everyone who is thinking of trying this adventure!
— Danica, August 29, 2026
Very easy to find! All the staff were very helpful and welcoming. Mitch our driver was a legend! We had good music playing, amazing views and super fun time.
— Thamiris Penteado, September 19, 2026
We had Jess as our driver and from the second we met her, we knew it was going to be great. Her exuberant personality was infectious n it made the whole experience all the more fun! Tx a lot Jess!!!
— Yeoleene, September 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this the cheapest jet boat ride in Queenstown?
Mostly because of where it goes and how long it lasts. The 30-minute option runs Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau from the middle of town, so there is no transfer to pay for and no canyon concession behind it. A full-hour option is also available.
Where does Thunder Jet leave from?
Steamer Wharf on Beach Street, on the Queenstown waterfront. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but you can walk there from most of the town centre.
How fast is it?
The boat is powered by twin V8 engines and the operator quotes speeds of up to 95 km/h, with 360-degree spins and sharp turns, plus commentary along the way.
Are there age or height limits?
There are no height restrictions, and the operator describes it as a family activity. It is listed as unsuitable for children under two, for pregnant women and for anyone with back problems.
What happens if not enough people book?
Trips need minimum numbers to run under the operator’s health and safety rules. If those are not met you are offered a reschedule or a full refund. A locker is provided for valuables during the ride.
Other Rides on These Rivers
From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip
From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Hydro Attack Shark Ride
Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip
