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“Loved the experience, well run, nice captain with a great sense of humour and gave us extra loops qhile we where waiting for the second boat. Would highly recommend this experience”
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.
“If you have more time, you could do one of the longer tours, but this was great fun and fast paced! Great crew and an awesome experience!”
High-speed Shotover Jet on South Island: 25 minutes of 360-degree spins through canyon rapids, with optional Queenstown shuttle.
“Lots of fun, you don’t get too wet so don’t let that put you off. Our driver was very skilled and told us lots about the surrounding areas. He was very friendly and answered all the questions about the boat.”
Jet through Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River on a guided drive and 30-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown.
“We had a blast! Prepare to be driven down the canyon on the very edge of the mountainside! What a thrill just riding to the River! The jet boat was great. Dan was our guide and he was funny and knowledgable about the history of the area and our boat driver was awesome too. Def…”
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.
“Our guide, Dean, gave a wonderful description of the scenery and the unique properties of the rivers and it was an exciting experience. It gave me an appreciation of the constantly changing forces of nature. Definitely recommend.”
Jet boat up the Dart River, then paddle a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Includes gear, lunch, and scenic views near Middle-earth.
“Such an amazing day in Mount Aspiring park! Knowledgeable and helpful guides in Rob, Georgia, John and Toby. Staff provided necessary gear and the lunch was a great spread and accommodated allergies well. Would highly highly recommend to anyone in Glenorchy !”
Small-group jet boat on New Zealand’s Clutha River from Wanaka with 360 spins, live guide commentary, photo stops, and easy transfer.
“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”
Jet boat speed on the Matukituki River plus a guided Mount Aspiring wilderness walk from Wanaka, with small groups and warm gear.
“A wonderful fun half day with our very knowledgable guide James. Fantastic scenery, great spins in the boat and a lovely sense of peace and tranquillity, when not spilling that is”
Thrilling Lakeland jet boat from Wanaka to the Clutha River, with Hamilton Spin, live commentary, small-group rides. 1.5 hours.
“Well organised and convenient meeting point right on Lake Wanaka. Great driver , very informative , spectacular scenery”
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.
“Great host, great experience! Would highly recommend.”
Jet boat 360 spins and fast canyon runs, then grade 2–3 Kawarau rafting with optional cliff jumping in Queenstown.
“Jet boat trip was excellent, lots of fun. Very benign and relaxed river rafting, suitable for families. Guides were excellent. Lots of opportunities to jump in the water as it is mostly just drifting down the river.”
Jet boat and Funyak on the Dart River in Mount Aspiring National Park, with transfers, gear, lunch, and Paradise Valley film stops.
“Very good activity, very smooth day from pick up to drop off. Good thing that they provide all the gear for the day so you don’t need to worry about getting your clothes wet. Very nice and professional instructors (funyak and jetboat). Very good picnic in the wild, with quality food and vegetarian options! Would…”
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.
“Fantastic! Great info as well as adrenaline fuelled trip up the river. Lots of water in the river so no obvious obstructions to 'nearly' hit but the spins were top notch and we still came very close to overhanging trees and the currents were very strong. An experience that met all expectations.”
