Shotover Jet Queenstown: adrenaline in the Shotover Canyons
From €101 per personChildren must be at least 1 metre tall. During high river conditions, the minimum may increase to 1.2 metres.Final booking with external provider
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4.9/5 · 1,617 reviews

Extreme jet boat ride in Queenstown

Shotover Jet Queenstown: adrenaline in the Shotover Canyons

★★★★★ 90 km/h · 25 min approx. on the water
From €101 per person 1,617 reviews

Shotover Jet Queenstown is one of the city’s best-known adrenaline experiences: an extreme Shotover River jet boat ride with rapids, speeds of up to 90 km/h and 360° spins through the narrow Shotover Canyons.

Check availability on GetYourGuide See times and price on GetYourGuide

⚡ Return transport from Queenstown available with selected options. · Final price depends on the date, departure time and booking option selected.

Shotover Jet can sell out on popular dates. Check availability, departure time, option and final price on GetYourGuide; a reserve-now, pay-later option may be available depending on the conditions shown.

✔ Exclusive access to the Shotover Canyons.
✔ Speeds of up to 90 km/h and 360° spins.
✔ Around 25 minutes on the water with a professional driver.
✔ Return transport from Queenstown available with selected options.

Quick summary before booking

Who is it for?

  • Adrenaline and speed
  • First-time Queenstown visits
  • Travellers with limited time
  • Canyon scenery

How long does it take?

Children must be at least 1 metre tall. During high river conditions, the minimum may increase to 1.2 metres.

What's included?

  • Professional driver
  • Safety briefing
  • Life jacket
  • Live commentary
  • Heated handrails in winter

Is it worth it?

It can be worth it if you want an extreme Queenstown jet boat ride and an intense experience closely tied to the destination. The main trade-off is that the actual water ride lasts around 25 minutes.

💡 TourBookGo tip

Check the child height requirement, physical restrictions, meeting point, transfer option and camera rules before booking.

A signature Queenstown experienceShotover Jet is one of Queenstown’s most recognisable jet boat experiences, pairing high-speed thrills with dramatic canyon scenery.
Exclusive canyon accessThe ride enters the Shotover Canyons, a dramatic stretch of the Shotover River that the operator has exclusive access to.
Professional driverThe activity includes a safety briefing, life jacket and professional driver experienced in fast river navigation.
Easy to fit into your dayWith roughly 25 minutes on the water, this Queenstown adventure activity works well for travellers with limited time.

📖 What is the Shotover Jet Queenstown experience like?

The ride takes place on the Shotover River, less than a 10-minute drive from Queenstown. For around 25 minutes, the driver powers through shallow water, rapids and narrow rock canyons, mixing bursts of speed with close canyon navigation.

The jet boat reaches speeds of up to 90 km/h and performs full 360° spins. Live commentary covers local history, geology and Māori culture.

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Shallow-water and rapid navigation.

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360° spins and speeds up to 90 km/h.

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Live commentary in English.

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A strong choice if you want a Queenstown jet boat ride that combines intensity, canyon scenery and a genuine sense of place.

The 360° spins are one of the ride’s signature features. 360°

What’s included with Shotover Jet?

The experience includes a professional driver, safety briefing, life jacket, live commentary, heated handrails in winter, free parking and lockers.

Facilities also include a café, toilets and viewing areas. Transfers are included only with the relevant option, while photos and videos cost extra.

Professional driver Life jacket Lockers Free parking

TourBookGo practical verdict

A strong choice if you want a Queenstown jet boat ride that combines intensity, canyon scenery and a genuine sense of place.

Shotover Jet can be worth the price if you value adrenaline more than ride length. Travellers particularly praise the drivers’ skill, the feeling of safety and the live commentary.

90 km/htop speed
360°full spins
25 minapprox. on the water
4.9/51,617 reviews

🗣️ TourBookGo practical verdict

Driver skill is one of the aspects most frequently praised by travellers.

Reviews highlight the feeling of safety despite the intensity of the experience.

The live commentary also receives positive feedback from travellers.

Speed, safety and camera rules

The main drawback is that the water ride lasts around 25 minutes. Phones, handheld cameras and loose objects are not permitted on board.

Only GoPro-style cameras mounted on the forehead and used hands-free are allowed. Operator photos and videos can be purchased separately.

The route passes through narrow sections of the Shotover Canyons. Canyons

Price and booking

From €101 per person

From €101 per person

Check the final price, departure time and whether your selected option includes transport before booking Shotover Jet.

Duration25 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on option; around 25 minutes on the water
LanguageEnglish
CancellationFree up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
OperatorShotover Jet
Product reference109951
Rating4.9/5 from 1,617 reviews
See times and price on GetYourGuide

Final price depends on the date, departure time and booking option selected.

In winter, heated handrails are provided and several warm layers are recommended. Tips

How to book this experience

1

Choose a date

Open availability and check updated times, language and conditions.

2

Compare options

Check final price, duration, meeting point and what's included.

3

Book securely

The booking is completed with the external provider before payment.

Who is Shotover Jet worth it for?

It suits adrenaline seekers, couples, groups of friends, families with children who meet the height requirement and first-time visitors looking for a memorable Queenstown adventure activity.

It is not suitable for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, and it is unlikely to suit anyone looking for a slow sightseeing cruise.

Adrenaline seekers Couples Groups of friends Families with children meeting the height requirement
Book early if you have a fixed date in Queenstown. Booking

❓ Frequently asked questions

How long does Shotover Jet Queenstown last?
The overall experience can last from 25 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the option, with around 25 minutes on the water.
What is the minimum height for children?
Children must be at least 1 metre tall and accompanied by a paying adult. During high river conditions, the minimum may rise to 1.2 metres.
Can I take a phone or camera on Shotover Jet?
Phones, handheld cameras and loose items are not allowed. Only GoPro-style cameras mounted on the forehead and used hands-free are permitted.
Are Queenstown transfers included with Shotover Jet?
Transfers are included only with booking options that specifically include return transport from Queenstown.
Who should not take part?
The activity is not suitable for pregnant travellers or people with back problems.

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Shotover Jet · Queenstown

Check Shotover Jet Queenstown times and availability

Choose your date, compare booking options and confirm restrictions, meeting point and transport before reserving.

If you want speed, 360° spins and an intense canyon experience, Shotover Jet is one of Queenstown’s most distinctive adventure activities.

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