60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand

60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

Outty Ranking 71 4.7 · 628 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $93
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 628 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers worth booking?

60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers is a 1-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $93 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 628 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (628)
Duration
1 hours
From
$93 per person

Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on the water than similar tours in the region. Leaving right from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, scream with delight as your jet boat zooms across Lake Wakatipu, spins in circles on the Kawarau River, and navigates the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Be prepared to have heart-racing fun on this roller coaster of a ride!

What you get

    About this experience

    Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on the water than similar tours in the region. Leaving right from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, scream with delight as your jet boat zooms across Lake Wakatipu, spins in circles on the Kawarau River, and navigates the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Be prepared to have heart-racing fun on this roller coaster of a ride!

    What's included

    Included

    • Life vests supplied
    • Driver/guide
    • 1-hour jet boat ride

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Queenstown

    Please check in at the Main Town Pier 15 minutes before your scheduled Jet Boat departure.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please check in at the Main Town Pier 15 minutes before your scheduled Jet Boat departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    KJet Queenstown

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum age is 2 years
    • Please wear comfortable shoes, jacket and sun protection
    • Caregivers are required to assist drivers with carrying any disabled passengers down the stairs and on to the Jet boat. When carrying larger numbers, at least one caregiver must travel on the boat.

    Photos

    Jet boating on the Shotover River | Queenstown, 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown360 degree spins | Kawarau River, 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, photo 4Jet boating the braided Shotover River, 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in QueenstownKJet Fleet Shot | Kawarau River, 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in QueenstownKJet 360-degree spin, 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 628 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    628 verified traveler reviews for 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    524
    4 star
    66
    3 star
    16
    2 star
    6
    1 star
    16
    Sort
    Lydia_M · October 2026

    It is an exhilarating...

    It is an exhilarating experience, it was very safe and heaps of fun, the driver was great and knew what he was doing, if you are into water activities you should definitely do this!

    via Viator

    698marths · October 2026

    Just Thrill and Excitement

    An absolutely thrilling experience! The jet boat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers was full of excitement, stunning scenery, and plenty of adrenaline. The driver was skilled and made the ride even more fun. Definitely a must-do experience in Queenstown!

    via Tripadvisor

    GregT2030 · October 2026

    KJetting across the Lake

    We arrived on the wharf,with plenty of time before the scheduled booking time (good idea to be there at least 15 minutes before time).Staff were friendly and helpful,clear instructions and fitted with life jackets. Lucky enough to have James as our driver, plenty of thrills with this driver. Plenty of spins,driving the riverbeds, and good value for money. A must do in Queenstown

    via Tripadvisor

    Francis_F · September 2026

    A fantastic experience , even for this old guy!

    I am 79 and I went with my 44 year old son and we were in the front row. We had the best time. The 360 degree turns were especially thrilling. We had a great driver in Sam who responded positively to the overwhelming acclaim from the passengers. An hour was just the right length of time for this experience. You passed through various landscapes but always the Remarkables were there to remind us why they are remarkable. Highly recommended for all ages.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for such a wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you and your son had such a fantastic time, especially enjoying the 360° spins from the front row. It's lovely to hear Sam helped make the experience so memorable, and we really appreciate your kind words about the scenery and the perfect one-hour duration. It's fantastic to hear that you would recommend KJet for all ages! We hope to welcome you and your son back for another adventure on the water in the future. 🚤😊

    via Viator

    Claire_D · September 2026

    Great fun on the rivers

    Great length ride up both rivers, driver Anton was a gun, adrenalin up for the ride. Rug up water and wind are gold but highly recommend this adventure!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the ride up both rivers and that Anton helped make it such an adrenaline-filled adventure. We appreciate the tip about rugging up and being prepared for the water and wind! Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another thrilling ride soon. 🚤😊

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $93 to $169
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    220
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)88
    Booking momentum (14% weight)86
    Value for money (12% weight)17
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

    How much does 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers cost?

    +

    Prices start at $93 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.

    Is 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 628 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Around 220 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Queenstown?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Queenstown?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Included: Life vests supplied; Driver/guide; and 1-hour jet boat ride. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Please check in at the Main Town Pier 15 minutes before your scheduled Jet Boat departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers?

    +

    Across 628 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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