Australia
700 horsepower, canyon walls at arm's length, and the famous 360 spin.
The world's most famous jet boat ride: twin V8s hurling you through the narrow Shotover Canyons at up to 90km/h, with full 360-degree spins centimetres from the rock. Sixty years of this, four million grins.
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$159 AUD
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4.8 from 7,418 Google reviews
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Since 1965, the red jet boats on this river have been doing something that still doesn't look legal: threading the narrow rock corridors of the Shotover Canyons at up to 90km/h, close enough to the walls to read the geology, then snapping into full 360-degree spins that soak everyone and delight everyone equally.
This is the exclusive operator in the canyon stretch of the Shotover River, nobody else is allowed in here, and the hardware matches the privilege: twin V8 engines producing 700 combined horsepower, driven by professionals who know every rock by its first name. The ride runs about 25 minutes, which your adrenal glands will experience as both seconds and hours.
Now owned and operated by Ngāi Tahu, the operation has carried over four million guests without losing the plot. Life jackets and locker storage are included; Jet Cam footage of your involuntary facial expressions is available to purchase. Queenstown's original thrill, and still a scream.
Famous 360-degree spins
90km/h through narrow canyon
Twin V8s, 700 horsepower
Exclusive canyon access
Running since 1965
Ngāi Tahu owned and operated
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Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.
The operator's track record
Review excerpts below are from Tripadvisor.
"Beautiful scenery, fun 360s, nice and close to the cliffs. The advice about bringing own gloves, beanies, glasses and warm layers was appreciated!"
RebeccA BANKS B
Tripadvisor review
"Awesome experience. Beautiful spot in the river."
Alicia T
Tripadvisor review
"It was easy to book, staff were very friendly, our boat guy was full of life and made the experience really good. We had an absolutely brilliant time, got saturated, but couldn’t stop laughing. Had the best time"
Louise N
Tripadvisor review
Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Wellington
6 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Christchurch to Queenstown
7 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
17 days · 16 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Queenstown
13 meals included
$4399 AUD
≈ $259/day
From
$159
