QUEENSTOWN · SPEEDBOAT TOURS
The runs worth the throttle, reviewed.
The 15 queenstown 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“Wakes you up for the day!! Well worth the outlay, helpful staff, and our driver Paul was very skilled and welcoming.”
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!”
High-speed Shotover Jet on South Island: 25 minutes of 360-degree spins through canyon rapids, with optional Queenstown shuttle.
“Loved the location, and the process was great. Group photo on the boat would have been great, we understand it wasn’t working but perhaps a staff member could take one at the start on the boat as an interim measure. All in all was a great way to see the river!”
Jet through Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River on a guided drive and 30-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown.
“So happy to support a 5th generation, family owned business. The trip to the canyon was wild, I felt totally safe but the road is scary. But the jet boat rude was unreal!!! Highly recommend!”
KJet Queenstown jet boat thrill ride: Lake Wakatipu views, Kawarau Dam spins, and Shotover shallow-water speed. 1 hour, ages 2+.
“We had Jack as our driver today & he made the experience so much fun! Definitely worth adding this activity to your itinerary!”
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.
“Misleading information on app We are extremely disappointed with Viator’s refusal to provide a refund for our tour (Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown, New Zealand). Viator claims that the pick-up time was stated an hour earlier on their website, but this is unfair and misleading, as we relied on the app…”
Small-group jet boat on New Zealand’s Clutha River from Wanaka with 360 spins, live guide commentary, photo stops, and easy transfer.
“Pat was a very skilled and knowledgeable pilot and we had a great time while learning some 'fun facts' about the Clutha and surrounds. Would absolutely highly recommend this to anyone up for an adrenaline rush. Thanks to Pat, Tracey and Gabi for making our time with Go Jets Wanaka full of fun and lots…”
Jet boat speed on the Matukituki River plus a guided Mount Aspiring wilderness walk from Wanaka, with small groups and warm gear.
“It's totally worth the money, our jet boat driver Ben was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Importantly he is a master of his art - controlling a jet boat.”
Thrilling Lakeland jet boat from Wanaka to the Clutha River, with Hamilton Spin, live commentary, small-group rides. 1.5 hours.
“We did this boat trip today & because the lake was rough we drove with the boat 1ins up the road to get onto the river. Matt was brilliant, he drove the boat very competently and shared his local knowledge at relevant points along the trip. We rode close to the trees and did several…”
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.
“Dan was top man whipping us around & got us bk in time to go toilet 👀🥴😂”
Jet boat 360 spins and fast canyon runs, then grade 2–3 Kawarau rafting with optional cliff jumping in Queenstown.
“Booking, waivers, information was easily accessible on line. The Real NZ sent everything that was needed from waivers to confirmation. We felt well prepared and when we arrived, we were suited, and oriented for safety and off to jet boat in Read more”
Jet boat and Funyak on the Dart River in Mount Aspiring National Park, with transfers, gear, lunch, and Paradise Valley film stops.
“Incredible from start to finish. This was our second time booking this day trip.”
Queenstown Kawarau River rafting plus a high-speed jet boat. Beginner-friendly rapids, the Dog Leg rapid, gear, showers, transfers.
“We had such an amazing day from start to finish!! All the staff were brilliant, so funny and so good at what they do. The jet boat was such a fun start to the day, and the rafting was absolutely incredible. Couldn’t recommend highly enough! And George is the backbone!!”
1-hour Wanaka jet boat on the Clutha River with 80+ km/h thrills, Hamilton Spin, and snow-capped mountain views. Safety gear included.
“Matt gave lots of info about the river and area which was very interesting. enjoyed whizzing around the river and did lots of spins. we were out for quite a while. definitely recommend”
