Queenstown Water Sports

Queenstown water sports run on Lake Wakatipu and three rivers, the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart, which means jet boats through canyons, white water rafting, quiet paddles on Moke Lake and fishing for trout and salmon. The thrill level runs from a 10-minute jet sprint boat to a gentle family raft, so it helps to sort them by what you want from the water. Beyond the lake and rivers, things to do in Queenstown covers the rest of the region.

Jet boating on the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart rivers

Jet boating is the signature Queenstown water activity, and each operator runs a different stretch of river. The Shotover Jet is a popular choice for a 25-minute ride through the Shotover River canyons at speeds over 85km/h, with 360-degree spins. The 1-hour KJet ride leaves from the Main Town Pier and covers the Kawarau and Shotover rivers, about 45km in all.

For scenery over speed, the Dart River wilderness jet boat ride is a 2-hour trip in Mount Aspiring National Park, and a FunYak safari on the same river mixes a jet boat with a kayak and a picnic lunch. At the short and wild end, the jet sprint boat is a 10-minute ride in a 620-horsepower four-seater. More options sit under Queenstown jet boating.

White water rafting, sledging and river surfing

Rapids are graded, so match the trip to your nerves. The Shotover River half-day rafting trip runs grade 3 to 5 water, including the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel and the Cascade rapid. The Kawarau River rafting trip is grade 2 to 3 and built around the 400m Dog Leg rapid, which the operator calls the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand.

For families, the Skippers Canyon gentle rafting trip runs grade 1 and 2 water and does not need any water confidence. River sledging and river surfing both take bodyboards down grade 2 to 3 rapids on the Kawarau. Other rafting departures are listed under Queenstown rafting.

Kayaking and paddle boarding at Moke Lake

Moke Lake is a 20-minute trip from Queenstown and a calm alternative to the rivers. The self-guided Moke Lake kayak tour and the self-guided stand up paddle board tour both supply the craft, life jackets, a map and a brunch or afternoon tea afterwards. The lake sits in grassland below the mountains, and you paddle at your own pace. More paddling trips sit under Queenstown kayaking tours.

Fishing charters on Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu holds trout and salmon, and the charters supply the gear and the training. The 3-hour Lake Wakatipu fishing trip suits beginners as well as experienced anglers, while a 6-hour fishing adventure reaches remote inlets and river mouths that shorter trips cannot. Shorter 2-hour shared and private charters leave from Frankton Marina, and the full range sits under Queenstown fishing charters.

Parasailing and the Hydro Attack shark ride

The Queenstown paraflight tows you up to 200 metres above Lake Wakatipu for a 10 to 12-minute flight, solo, tandem or triple. The Hydro Attack shark ride is a semi-submersible that dives underwater and throws in G-turns and side rolls, and it is billed as a world first.

Choosing a trip and when to go

For speed, pick a jet boat or the Hydro Attack, and for scenery pick the Dart River or Moke Lake. For rapids, the grade tells you how wet and wild it gets. Jet boating runs daily all year, but rafting is seasonal: the Skippers Canyon family trip operates in summer, from October to April, and river surfing runs from September to May.

Frequently asked questions

What water sports can you do in Queenstown?

Water sports in Queenstown include jet boating, white water rafting, river sledging and surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, parasailing and fishing. They run on Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart rivers.

What is the difference between the Shotover Jet and the KJet?

The Shotover Jet is a 25-minute ride through the Shotover River canyons, while the KJet is a 1-hour ride that covers the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Both depart from central Queenstown or nearby, and both include 360-degree spins.

What grade are the rapids on Queenstown rafting trips?

Rapids on Queenstown rafting trips run from grade 1 and 2 on the Skippers Canyon family trip to grade 3 to 5 on the half-day Shotover trip. The Kawarau River trip is grade 2 to 3.

Can kids go jet boating or rafting in Queenstown?

Kids can join jet boating in Queenstown, with child tickets on the Shotover Jet, KJet and Dart River rides. The Skippers Canyon gentle rafting trip is the one aimed at families with young children.

Do you need fishing experience for a Queenstown fishing charter?

No fishing experience is needed for a Queenstown fishing charter, because the shared charters include gear, safety training and fishing tips. The 3-hour Lake Wakatipu trip is described as suiting beginners to advanced anglers.

Do Queenstown water sports run all year?

Jet boating in Queenstown runs daily all year, including the Shotover Jet and the KJet. Rafting is more seasonal, with the Skippers Canyon family trip in summer and river surfing from September to May.

Queenstown water sports cover everything from a canyon jet boat to a still morning on Moke Lake. Match the grade or the pace to your group and book a date.