Shotover Jet Queenstown Jet Boat
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July 2025
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Highlighted reviews
It is a MUST do activity in Queenstown. Superb and unforgotten experience in our trip.
This is our 3rd time been here from Aussie. My elder boy loved it since last time he did with dad back to Jan 2020. I couldn't do as I was pregnant last time.He has pursued me to do with him this time. It was a fantastic ride driven by a friendly driver in a lake with fabulous mount view. The experience was just amazing and unforgotten. We definitely will back to do it again with our other 2 kids.
This was lots of fun for the whole family
This was lots of fun for the whole family. The kids had a ball. Is adults were expecting a more thrilling ride and thought it might have gone longer than 20 minutes given the price we paid as a family. But it was still fun. I’d just be keen to see what the other Jet Boat companies have to offer next time.
What you can expect
Get on board ‘Big Red’ the ultimate Queenstown Shotover Jet boat experience that has been thrilling over 3 million people since 1970! If its not the super-charged jet boat ride that scares you it will be the danger of heading straight for overhanging cliff faces and jagged rocks of the Shotover Canyon before pulling away at the VERY last second! This is why this Queenstown jet boat ride takes the cake – combining the epic thrills of high-speed, seemingly impossible manoeuvres, coming perilously close to narrow impending canyon walls and of course the overwhelming scenic location!
These expert Shotover Jet Boat drivers know exactly what they are doing and can haul the boat at speeds of up to 85kph in as little as 10cm of shallow water! Spin and weave your way through the spectacular Shotover River Canyon and enjoy trademark 360-degree spins, power brakes and sweeping fishtails as the rocky canyon walls whiz past you at speed.
This world famous Queenstown Jet Boat experience is just 10 minutes from Queenstown where you can catch a convenient and free shuttle service out to the river base. You then have the rest of the day to try and catch your breath and enjoy other exciting activities in Queenstown!
Location
What you need to know
- Jet boat ride on Shotover River
- Safety briefing
- Lifejackets
- 25 minute exhilarating jetboat experience
- Complimentary transfers available on request
- 360 degree spins over 10cm of water
- Reach speeds over 85km per hour
- Whip past rocky outcrops
- Skim around crags and boulders
- Speed through the dramatic and spectacular Shotover River Canyons
- Jet Boat rides depart on the hour every hour between 9am and 4pm. Should you require a time outside of these hours, please contact our friendly staff to see if we can arrange an alternative time to suit your travel requirements
- If you are self-driving to the Arthurs Point river base, please check-in at 30 minutes prior to your trip departure time.
- Please check in at 3 Arthurs Point Road 30 minutes prior
- Jet Boat rides depart every day (river and weather conditions permitting) except Christmas Day (25th December)
- This is a 25 minute Jet Boat ride (please allow 1.5 hours for the entire experience)
- Every 30 minutes during daylight hours
- Pick up from Station Building in central Queenstown or self drive to the Shotover Jet Base in Arthurs Point (10 minutes drive from Queenstown)
- Departs daily all year
- Will I get wet on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown?__ If you are sitting on the outer seats of the Shotover Jet, you may get a little wet while doing the 360 degree spins. If you would prefer to be on the drier side, we recommend sitting in the middle of the boat and bringing a rain jacket.
- Where do I leave my belongings while doing the Shotover Jet in Queenstown?__ There are complimentary lockers available at the Shotover Jet base, however these are shared with others so we recommend leaving your valuables at home.
- Does the Shotover Jet Boat operate in Queenstown when it rains?__ Generally speaking, the Shotover Jet in Queenstown will still run in most rainy conditions, however on occasion the river may rise to a level where they are unable to operate.
- Can I take my own GoPro on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown?__ You can only bring your GoPro on the Shotover Jet if it is hands-free by way of using a forehead mount strap. These straps can be purchased at the base building. Photos are taken on the land prior to boarding, and there is also a camera at the front of the boat to capture some great footage throughout the trip. These photos are available to purchase at the end of the tour.
- Is 74 years too old to do the Shotover Jet in Queenstown?__ The Shotover Jet in Queenstown is suitable for most ages if you have a general level of physical integrity. We would advise those with any neck or back issues to take a more cautious approach to join this activity.
- Can you do the Shotover Jet in Queenstown if you are pregnant?__ If you are pregnant, it is not recommended that you do the Shotover Jet in Queenstown.
- How fast does the Shotover Jet go?__ The Shotover Jet boats in Queenstown go up to 85kms per hour through the narrow Shotover river canyons!
- We recommend that you dress for the conditions and simply be mindful that there will be some wind-chill factor as you are travelling at speed
- In summer don’t forget your sunblock and some people get concerned that it may be too cold in winter, however simply dress warmly and bring a warm hat and gloves (although the handrails are heated) just like you would for skiing and sunglasses are great year round
- For safety reasons, the use of handheld personal cameras and video cameras are not permitted aboard the jet boats
- A minimum height of 1 metre applies. Shotover jet reserves the right to extend the minimum height to 1.2 metres in certain river conditions, to ensure passenger safety
- Children under 5 years old who meet the minimum height limit are free with a fare paying adult, however a ticket still needs to be issued
- All children (0-15yrs) must travel with a fare paying adult 16 years and over
- Shotover Jet is not suitable if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions including back or neck problems
- Onsite facilities include parking, retail, cafe, toilets, secure lockers and viewing areas
- Minimum height is 1 metre however the provider reserves the right to extend this to 1.2m to ensure participant safety
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with medical conditions such as neck or back problems
- For safety reasons the only cameras allowed on board are forehead mounted hands free Go Pro or similar. Any other cameras or phones are not permitted to be carried aboard. Photos and videos from the trip are available to purchase from the retail shop after the experience
- Eyewear is recommended all year round. Please dress warmly in winter warm clothes, jacket, hat and gloves (although handrails on the jet boats are heated) are strongly recommended. Free lockers are available for your valuables
- This experience may be affected by the weather. If your experience is cancelled, you will be rescheduled by the provider
- Anyone is welcome to visit our river base and watch the jet boats
- There is a maximum of 14 people in each jet boat. Minimum of 4 people to run a boat
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
It is a MUST do activity in Queenstown. Superb and unforgotten experience in our trip.
This is our 3rd time been here from Aussie. My elder boy loved it since last time he did with dad back to Jan 2020. I couldn't do as I was pregnant last time.He has pursued me to do with him this time. It was a fantastic ride driven by a friendly driver in a lake with fabulous mount view. The experience was just amazing and unforgotten. We definitely will back to do it again with our other 2 kids.
This was lots of fun for the whole family
This was lots of fun for the whole family. The kids had a ball. Is adults were expecting a more thrilling ride and thought it might have gone longer than 20 minutes given the price we paid as a family. But it was still fun. I’d just be keen to see what the other Jet Boat companies have to offer next time.
This is a must do!
This is a must do! All the staff were great and very friendly. Donald was our Jet Boat driver, he was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We went on a beautiful and warm day, however, a beanie and jumper were still necessary. You are supplied with a long windbreaker and life vest, which definitely helps. Your hands are fine as the handrails on the boat are heated. Sunnies also helped to keep the water out of your eyes from the occasional splash. The scenery is magnificent, and such an incredible setting. We had lunch at the brewery right next door. Food and drinks are fantastic. Great day to experience.
Need help?
- Email us at enquiry@experienceoz.com.au
- Help code: D2B-1651
- This experience is supplied by Shotover Jet Boat Ride
