If you only do one thrill in Queenstown, the Shotover Jet is the one almost everyone can share. The red jet boats race up and down the narrow Shotover River canyons at Arthurs Point, about seven kilometres from the town centre, steering within touching distance of the rock walls before the driver throws the boat into a full 360-degree spin. The company has run commercially on the river since 1965 and is part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism. The ride itself lasts about 25 minutes and reaches up to 90 kilometres an hour, and handrails are heated for colder days. There is no minimum age, only a minimum height of one metre, which can rise to 1.2 metres when the river is high, so families with younger children can ride together. Most riders get a little wet, less so in the centre seats. Free return shuttles run from the Station Building on Shotover Street for selected departures, and there is free parking at the river base if you drive. This page links to the Tiqets ticket for the jet boat ride.
How to visit: book the Tiqets ticket for your chosen departure, then either drive to the river base at 3 Arthurs Point Road or check in at the Station Building, 25 Shotover Street, 45 minutes before your ride for the free shuttle. Allow about an hour in total if you drive yourself, or around 1 hour 45 minutes with the shuttle. Children under five can ride free with an infant ticket alongside a paying adult.
What to expect: a short safety briefing, life jackets on, and then a fast, twisting run through the canyon with several spins. Dress for the weather, as the wind chill at speed is real, and bring sunglasses and, in cooler months, a hat and gloves. Spray jackets are not provided, so a waterproof layer helps. Loose items and phones go in lockers, and only hands-free cameras on a head strap are allowed. The boats run daily except Christmas Day, in light rain too, but heavy rain or flooding can postpone a trip, with a refund or a free rebooking.
Making the most of it: the morning departures tend to be calmer for families, and the light in the canyon is beautiful late in the day. Combine the ride with lunch at Arthurs Point or a drive on to Coronet Peak for the view, and buy the onboard photos if they are available, as you will not be able to take your own.
What to expect
The experience
A 25-minute jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover River canyons with high-speed passes and 360-degree spins.
Best time
A morning departure for calmer conditions, or late afternoon for the best light in the canyon.
How long
About an hour door to door if you drive, or around 1 hour 45 minutes with the free shuttle.
Tips
Wear a waterproof layer and sunglasses, sit in the centre seats if you want to stay drier, and leave your phone in a locker.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a classic Queenstown thrill without jumping off anything.
- Families
- There is no minimum age, only a one-metre height rule, and under-fives ride free with an infant ticket.
- Couples
- Ride together in the morning, then spend the afternoon on a gentle lake cruise or in Arrowtown.
- Pair with
- Arrowtown or the Kawarau Bridge bungy, both on the same side of town.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
How long is the Shotover Jet ride?+
The ride itself lasts about 25 minutes on the water. Allow around an hour in total if you drive, or 1 hour 45 minutes with the free shuttle from town.
Is there a minimum age for the Shotover Jet?+
There is no minimum age, but riders must be at least one metre tall, rising to 1.2 metres in higher river conditions. Children under five can ride free with an infant ticket alongside a paying adult.
Will I get wet on the Shotover Jet?+
Many riders get a little wet from the spray, especially on the outside seats. Spray jackets are not provided, so bring a waterproof layer.
Where does the Shotover Jet leave from?+
The river base is at 3 Arthurs Point Road, about seven kilometres from central Queenstown. Free shuttles run from the Station Building on Shotover Street for selected departures.
Does the Shotover Jet run in the rain?+
Yes, it runs in most conditions, including light rain. Heavy rain or flooding can postpone a trip, in which case you can rebook for free or take a full refund.