Jet Boat Tours

Exhilarating thrills on spectacular waterways set amidst dramatic landscapes, jet boating in NZ is a way to take your Kiwi adventure to the next level. Brace yourself for the rush of speed, jet thrust at 800L/second, the whirl of the spins and the spray from the water as your boat carves its heart-stopping course… in short, this is no mere ferry ride!

One of a host of water sports offered by RedBalloon, these experiences are primed for groups and families while also ideal gifts for birthdays.

What is jet boating?

As the name suggests, it involves a jet-powered watercraft that delivers an action-packed thrill ride. Extreme speeds, sharp turns and high-powered fun are the order of the day – helmed by experienced jet boat operators who know how to balance proper safety with maximum, hair-raising, white-knuckle action.

These vessels don’t use an external propeller like a powerboat or motorboat. Instead, they pull water from beneath the boat, which is then expelled through a nozzle at the stern: the ‘jet’ that drives the action! 

Can you go jet boating in the rain?

Yes, jet boat providers will typically continue to operate in light rain. However, of course, it’s ultimately up to the discretion of the provider – our operators put an absolute premium on the safety of their customers. In the event of a downpour, the operator may find visibility compromised – in which case, barrelling down a canyon at 90km/h might not be the best idea.  

What to wear jet boating?

Yes, there’s going to be a bit of splashing going while you’re churning the waters up and doing 360-spins. But don’t worry, it’s not like you have to wear a wetsuit! By the same token, you probably don’t want to wear your tux or that cocktail dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Think comfy casual wear that you’re happy to get a little bit wet. And if you do have a fancy engagement afterwards, you probably want to bring a change of clothes!

Where are the best jet boating experiences in NZ?

The incredible waterways of New Zealand, with all their drama and beauty, make jet boating a natural fit for the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Jet Boating Queenstown

Known as the adventure capital, there are plenty amazing jet boating Queenstown experiences on offer. 

We’re talking about a 60-minute ride churning across Lake Wakatipu before shooting down the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, complete with white-knuckle spins. Revered as one of the (if not the) most famous jet boat rides in the world, this is an unmissable experience for thrill-seeking connoisseurs.

Jet Boating Taupo

All aboard for a gloriously exhilarating ride on the beautiful Waikato River. Your driver will be primed to take on the challenges defined by this rugged country, manoeuvring the trickiest, narrowest section of the river before encountering the pressure waves of the Nga Awa Purua rapids.

Package deals are also available for those who can’t get enough – giving you a chance, for example, to tick off three of Taupo’s ultimate attractions in under four hours of fun. Here you can begin your morning in style with a Lake Taupo cruise to the iconic Maori Rock Carvings, followed by a scenic Taupo helicopter flight to Huka Falls, just in time to kick off a thrilling jet boat ride back to base. 

Jet Boating Rotorua

Rotorua has long been heralded for its adventure activities, and that includes the specific blood-pumping delights of jet boating. If charging across Lake Rotorua, feeling the rush of speeding turns and 360-degree spins amidst iconic historical landmarks doesn’t make you feel a buzz, you’d better check your pulse.

Packages are available for the thrill-seeker whose tastes run to extremes – like four adventure rides in one day. Along with reaching speeds of 100km in one of New Zealand’s fastest jet boats, the Agrojet, you could strap yourself into such delights as the Shweeb Racer, Swoop, Freefall Xtreme or a bungy jump! It’s the ultimate in exhilaration!