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 about as much fun as you can have in half an hour. Our pilot Jacob was highly skilled and entertaining both as a jet boat pilot and guide. My whole family loved it.”
High-speed Shotover Jet on South Island: 25 minutes of 360-degree spins through canyon rapids, with optional Queenstown shuttle.
“A great experience, we self drove to location. A fast excillerating, thrilling experience, close on to rock faces , donut spins. Experienced driver. Amazingly didn't get too wet!👍 unlike their other ride Kjet ride in Queenstown where you get a total soaking 👎. Out of the 2 rides I'd definitely recommend the Shotover Extreme ride…”
Shoot past cliffs and spin 360° on a 30-minute jet boat to Huka Falls with heated handrails and water-level access. $89.
“Awesome fun, wouid do again in an instant - be prepared to get very wet !!!!!! Such a memorable experience”
Jet through Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River on a guided drive and 30-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown.
“This was excellent value - a unique drive experience and lots of fun on the jetboat. There were narrow canyons and a little whitewater with a very experienced boat pilot who made sure we had some thrills. It was a generous amount of time on the boat and some incredible views and history on the…”
Speedy jet boat thrills on the Upper Waiau River, LoTR film stops, and a peaceful Lake Manapouri nature walk from Te Anau.
“Great experience on the jet boat along the Waiau River and onto Lake Manapouri! Such good fun - in particular the 360s! Very informative guide and driver told us so much interesting information about the river, the lake and what we saw on the walk. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!”
Hukafalls Jet Boat in Taupo: 30 minutes of Waikato River thrills, trick turns, and eye-level access to Huka Falls from $94.84.
“Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the driver was top tier, he had all the jokes.... Highly recommend!”
KJet Queenstown jet boat thrill ride: Lake Wakatipu views, Kawarau Dam spins, and Shotover shallow-water speed. 1 hour, ages 2+.
“Easy ticketing, good organisation to get us on the water and then a great 1 hour ride up the lake and on the two rivers. Well looked after by the driver with a ride filled with twists, spins and speed. Loved it.”
Jet boat on the glacier-fed Dart River, plus Mt. Aspiring National Park views from Glenorchy. Small groups, warm gear needed.
“It was a thrilling experience, totally worth the money! Pedro, our jet boat driver was such an amazing guy, he took good care of us, did some thrilling stunts on the water and gave lots of good info. Would do it again!”
Jet boat up the Dart River, then paddle a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Includes gear, lunch, and scenic views near Middle-earth.
“This is a genuine bucket list event. The combination of thrilling jet boating up the Dart river 30 kms, then kayaking more like canoeing down, coupled with some of the most spectacular landscapes makes for a brilliant day. The tour is run expRead more”
Small-group jet boat on New Zealand’s Clutha River from Wanaka with 360 spins, live guide commentary, photo stops, and easy transfer.
“Our guide was great and we had a blast with the spins and quick turns! Thanks for all the history of the river and the area - great fun!”
Jet boat speed on the Matukituki River plus a guided Mount Aspiring wilderness walk from Wanaka, with small groups and warm gear.
“We are touring the South Island of New Zealand and this was by far our favourite thing we’ve done. Ben was absolutely outstanding and really made the trip for us. I think this is a must do.”
Thrilling Lakeland jet boat from Wanaka to the Clutha River, with Hamilton Spin, live commentary, small-group rides. 1.5 hours.
“Best experience to have for our first time especially in the South Island. Wicked laughs along the way, so ecstatic to experience seeing the mountains from the Lake point of view. Almost did not purchase it but lucky I did.”
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.
“this was a terrific experience. There is nothing they could have done better. It was perfect”
