SPEEDBOAT TRAVELER
The runs worth the throttle, reviewed.
The 15 best speedboat tours in new zealand speedboat tours worth the throttle, lined up side by side. How fast you are going, which coves and islands you reach, how long you are out on the water, and what a seat on the boat costs.
Feel Queenstown’s adrenaline on a Shotover River jet boat with 360-degree spins, canyon runs, and optional shuttle pickup from town.
Most Popular“It is fun and involves turns and some splashes. No need to over pack. At some stops, okay to take out cell phone for photos”
A 1-hour Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu plus the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, with 360 spins and speeds up to 95 km/h.
“We enjoyed this activity, it is a must do while in New Zealand!”
Thrill on the Waikato River in Taupo: 35-minute jet boat ride through rapids and canyons with a guide and small groups.
“It was great fun! Very exciting, but we felt absolutely safe with Jacob! Great professionell pics were made, wonderful memories!”
High-speed Shotover Jet on South Island: 25 minutes of 360-degree spins through canyon rapids, with optional Queenstown shuttle.
“Fantastic!!! Better than expected. Great guide. Went for a good amount of time. Really great activity.”
Shoot past cliffs and spin 360° on a 30-minute jet boat to Huka Falls with heated handrails and water-level access. $89.
“Everything!!! jumped right into sensations the moment it starts! superb views from the river you cant get from ashore. It s a must! absolutely recommend it!!”
Jet through Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River on a guided drive and 30-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown.
“The route is stunning, the instruction is excellent and interesting, the guide delivers the instruction with humor, the cruise itself is full of adrenaline and great fun, an excellent activity”
Speedy jet boat thrills on the Upper Waiau River, LoTR film stops, and a peaceful Lake Manapouri nature walk from Te Anau.
“This was the best and I couldn’t imagine going to Te Anau without having had this experience. The staff were fantastic and were so great with my friend who had some limited mobility issues, they were so helpful and made her day even better. The views were unbelievable and the memories I have will be…”
Hukafalls Jet Boat in Taupo: 30 minutes of Waikato River thrills, trick turns, and eye-level access to Huka Falls from $94.84.
“Excellent experience very thrilling would recommend to all..amazing & good spinoff...thankyou everyone”
KJet Queenstown jet boat thrill ride: Lake Wakatipu views, Kawarau Dam spins, and Shotover shallow-water speed. 1 hour, ages 2+.
“This was super fun and our driver Ben was great. One thing is I felt this advertising made it seem like it was through the canyon (like the Shotover boat), but it wasn’t. I was pretty disappointed about that so keep in mind when booking. Overall, it was pretty fun though.”
Jet boat on the glacier-fed Dart River, plus Mt. Aspiring National Park views from Glenorchy. Small groups, warm gear needed.
“Fabulous jet boat ride up and down the Dart River; our jet boat driver was so hospitable and provided great commentary; this tour provides both the fast jet boat experience and great scenery and although included were some really fun spins, this was not a thrill ride”
Jet boat up the Dart River, then paddle a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Includes gear, lunch, and scenic views near Middle-earth.
“We had a fantastic time. It is so helpful to have them provide all of the gear (wetsuit, booties, fleece, raincoat, and a gater that proved helpful in a variety of ways—hair control, face cover, hat protector). The jet boat ride was a thrill. When we goRead more”
Small-group jet boat on New Zealand’s Clutha River from Wanaka with 360 spins, live guide commentary, photo stops, and easy transfer.
“This is a definite 'go on' trip. Pat was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information. The ride was terrific with lots of spins and adrenaline.”
Jet boat speed on the Matukituki River plus a guided Mount Aspiring wilderness walk from Wanaka, with small groups and warm gear.
“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”
Thrilling Lakeland jet boat from Wanaka to the Clutha River, with Hamilton Spin, live commentary, small-group rides. 1.5 hours.
“Exciting ride through beautiful scenery. Lovely driver who gave some great info on the way. Thrilling ride.”
Queenstown Thunder Jet: a 30 or 60-minute jet boat with 360 spins and speeds up to 95 km/h on Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau.
“We absolutely loved this tour, the driver was brilliant. Would recommend!”
