Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
About This Experience
Experience Queenstown's most iconic jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Speed through narrow canyons at up to 90kmh, with thrilling 360° spins and exclusive canyon access.
Highlights
- High-speed jet boat ride through the Shotover River
- Thrilling 360-degree spins and speeds of up to 90kmh
- Navigate narrow canyon walls and white-water rapids
- Experienced professional jet boat drivers with live commentary
- Exclusive access to the iconic Shotover Canyons
What's Included
- ✓ 25-minute adrenaline jet boat ride
- ✓ Professional driver with live commentary on the local history, geology and Maori culture
- ✓ Safety briefing and life jackets
- ✓ Heated handrails during winter
- ✓ Roundtrip transportation from Queenstown (if option selected)
- ✓ Free parking
- ✓ Locker facilities
Not Included
- Photos and videos (available to purchase; subject to availability)
What to Bring
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses
Good to Know & Caveats
- Children must meet a minimum height of 1.0 metre and be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The minimum height may increase to 1.2 metres in high river conditions
- Life jackets are mandatory and are provided
- Dress warmly in winter - hat, gloves, and warm layers recommended
- Eyewear is recommended year-round
- Onsite facilities include parking, café, toilets, lockers, and viewing areas
- The only cameras permitted onboard are forehead-mounted, hands-free GoPro cameras or similar.
- Handheld cameras, phones, and loose items are not permitted onboard.
- Meeting point varies depending on option selected
Not Suitable For
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People under 3 ft 3 in (100 cm)
Meeting Point
3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 1,672 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Exceeded my expectations. Was so much fun and felt personable with our guide. Was the time of my life!
— Juliet, September 12, 2026
Great! Guide/driver was awesome, sad to hear the river was affected by the recent storm! But had a great time regardless
— Jessica, September 23, 2026
Fantastic activity to do. Took the whole family and everyone loved it. Thank you
— Kent, August 26, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Shotover Jet boat ride?
The ride itself is 25 minutes on the water. Allow longer for check-in, the safety briefing and getting into a life jacket, and longer again if you take the option that includes return transport from Queenstown rather than driving to Arthurs Point yourself.
Where does the Shotover Jet leave from?
From the jet base at 3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, about a ten-minute drive from central Queenstown. There is free parking and there are lockers at the base. Some booking options include return transport from town, so check which one you have selected.
How fast does it go, and do you really spin?
The operator quotes speeds of up to 90 km/h and full 360-degree spins, driven between the canyon walls rather than out on open water. Shotover Jet describes its access to the Shotover canyons as exclusive.
Is there a minimum height or age?
Children must be at least 1.0 metre tall and travel with a fare-paying adult. The operator notes the minimum can rise to 1.2 metres when the river is running high. The ride is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and for anyone with back problems.
Can I take my phone or camera on board?
Only a forehead-mounted, hands-free GoPro or similar is permitted. Handheld cameras, phones and loose items are not allowed on board, which is what the lockers at the base are for.
Does it run in winter?
Yes. The boats carry heated handrails for winter operation, and the operator recommends a hat, gloves and warm layers. Eyewear is recommended year-round.
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 Whitewater Rafting Trip
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
