Shotover Jet Queenstown
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
December 2024
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Get on board ‘Big Red’ the ultimate Queenstown Shotover Jet boat experience that has been thrilling over 3 million people since 1970! If its not the super-charged jet boat ride that scares you it will be the danger of heading straight for overhanging cliff faces and jagged rocks of the Shotover Canyon before pulling away at the VERY last second! This is why this Queenstown jet boat ride takes the cake – combining the epic thrills of high-speed, seemingly impossible manoeuvres, coming perilously close to narrow impending canyon walls and of course the overwhelming scenic location!
These expert Shotover Jet Boat drivers know exactly what they are doing and can haul the boat at speeds of up to 85kph in as little as 10cm of shallow water! Spin and weave your way through the spectacular Shotover River Canyon and enjoy trademark 360-degree spins, power brakes and sweeping fishtails as the rocky canyon walls whiz past you at speed.
This world famous Queenstown Jet Boat experience is just 10 minutes from Queenstown where you can catch a convenient and free shuttle service out to the river base. You then have the rest of the day to try and catch your breath and enjoy other exciting activities in Queenstown!
Location
What you need to know
- 25 minute thrilling Jet Boat ride
- Free shuttle transfers are available on selected trips (11am and 3pm). Bookings are required
- 360 degree spins over 10cm of water
- Reach speeds over 85km per hour
- Whip past rocky outcrops
- Skim around crags and boulders
- Speed through the dramatic and spectacular Shotover River Canyons
- Free transfers for selected trips (11am and 3pm), bookings required
- Jet Boat rides depart on the hour every hour between 9am and 4pm. Should you require a time outside of these hours, please contact our friendly staff to see if we can arrange an alternative time to suit your travel requirements
- If you are self-driving to the Arthurs Point river base, please check-in at 30 minutes prior to your trip departure time.
- The courtesy shuttle runs for the 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm jet boat departures. Please check-in inside the Station Building in Queenstown 45 minutes prior to your jet boat departure time.
- Jet Boat rides depart every day (river and weather conditions permitting) except Christmas Day (25th December)
- This is a 25 minute Jet Boat ride (please allow 1.5 hours for the entire experience)
- We recommend that you dress for the conditions and simply be mindful that there will be some wind-chill factor as you are travelling at speed
- In summer don’t forget your sunblock and some people get concerned that it may be too cold in winter, however simply dress warmly and bring a warm hat and gloves (although the handrails are heated) just like you would for skiing and sunglasses are great year round
- For safety reasons, the use of handheld personal cameras and video cameras are not permitted aboard the jet boats
- A minimum height of 1 metre applies. Shotover jet reserves the right to extend the minimum height to 1.2 metres in certain river conditions, to ensure passenger safety
- Children under 5 years old who meet the minimum height limit are free with a fare paying adult, however a ticket still needs to be issued
- All children (0-15yrs) must travel with a fare paying adult 16 years and over
- Shotover Jet is not suitable if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions including back or neck problems
- Onsite facilities include parking, retail, cafe, toilets, secure lockers and viewing areas
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
Nancy Li
over 2 years ago
It is a MUST do activity in Queenstown. Superb and unforgotten experience in our trip.
This is our 3rd time been here from Aussie. My elder boy loved it since last time he did with dad back to Jan 2020. I couldn't do as I was pregnant last time.He has pursued me to do with him this time. It was a fantastic ride driven by a friendly driver in a lake with fabulous mount view. The experience was just amazing and unforgotten. We definitely will back to do it again with our other 2 kids.
Danielle Harris
about 5 years ago
This was lots of fun for the whole family
This was lots of fun for the whole family. The kids had a ball. Is adults were expecting a more thrilling ride and thought it might have gone longer than 20 minutes given the price we paid as a family. But it was still fun. I’d just be keen to see what the other Jet Boat companies have to offer next time.
Natasha Hannan
about 5 years ago
This is a must do!
This is a must do! All the staff were great and very friendly. Donald was our Jet Boat driver, he was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We went on a beautiful and warm day, however, a beanie and jumper were still necessary. You are supplied with a long windbreaker and life vest, which definitely helps. Your hands are fine as the handrails on the boat are heated. Sunnies also helped to keep the water out of your eyes from the occasional splash. The scenery is magnificent, and such an incredible setting. We had lunch at the brewery right next door. Food and drinks are fantastic. Great day to experience.