What should you wear jet boating in Queenstown?

Ride by ride

Shotover Jet

The GetYourGuide listing for the Shotover Jet asks you to bring warm clothing and sunglasses. It recommends a hat, gloves and warm layers in winter, and eyewear all year. Reviewers say the same thing in their own words. One wrote “wear warm clothes even on a sunny day”. Another found it “gets very windy so layers and eye protection is recommended”. A third lost a beanie to the river, so wear a hat that fits snugly.

The camera rule is the one that surprises people. The operator’s own FAQ says phones and cameras are carried at your own risk, must stay securely in a pocket while the boat is moving, and can be used once the boat has stopped and the driver gives the go-ahead. Hands-free cameras must be on a forehead strap or clipped to a hat; chest mounts, wrist mounts and selfie sticks are not allowed. The GetYourGuide listing still says handheld phones are not permitted on board, so ask at check-in, and if in doubt put your phone in one of the lockers at the river base. Photos and videos are sold separately when available; the operator says availability may vary while it tests a new photo system. More on the ride itself is on our Shotover Jet page.

KJet

The KJet listing gives a full packing list: sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, gloves, goggles and weather-appropriate clothing. The Viator listing asks for comfortable shoes, a jacket and sun protection, and reminds you that you will be travelling at high speed. You may bring your own camera or GoPro, but the listing says to hold it tight.

The hour on the water is long enough for the cold to build. Reviewers wrote “Freezing, make sure you dress warm if your on the 10am ride in winter” and “Beware though - very VERY cold!”. KJet runs rain or shine, so plan your layers for the weather forecast. See our KJet page.

Thunder Jet

The Thunder Jet GetYourGuide listing asks for weather-appropriate clothing and gives you a locker for valuables. Cameras are allowed at your own risk. Its description also says to “expect to get a little wet”, so dress with that in mind. Our Thunder Jet page covers both ride lengths.

Skippers Canyon Jet

Skippers asks you to dress for the conditions, with warm clothing, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, insect repellent and water. Life jackets and spray jackets are supplied, with gloves in winter. The listing says there is no chance to use a toilet on the tour, so go before leaving Queenstown.

Dart River Wilderness Jet

The Dart River Wilderness Jet runs for two hours in all weather, and it is the ride where closed shoes matter. The Viator listing recommends “comfortable, supportive close-toed shoes” and a warm outer layer, with extra layers on colder days. The GetYourGuide listing adds warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Water and windproof jackets are supplied. One reviewer advised putting on “layers to stay warm including glasses or sunglasses”. More on the trip is on our Dart River page.

Rafting and canoe combos

These are the trips where you change clothes. For the Kawarau Rafting and Jet trip you must bring a swimsuit and a towel. The GetYourGuide listing supplies a wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, helmet, wetsuit booties, paddle and life jacket, and there are hot showers at the base afterwards. Leave valuables at your accommodation.

For the Dart River Canoe and Jet day, bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. The Viator listing also asks for a towel and warm clothes. Wetsuits, booties, a fleece, a life jacket and a dry bag are supplied, with thermals and gloves in winter. One guest found it “quite cold with the wind on the jet boat so wrap up”. Jet boat and rafting in Queenstown compares the options.

Summer and winter

New Zealand’s summer runs from December to February and its winter from June to August.

In summer, bring sunscreen and sunglasses and still take a warm, windproof layer. The Shotover reviewer who said to wear warm clothes was writing about a sunny day. Wear a hat that will stay on.

In winter, wear a hat, gloves and proper warm layers, and consider goggles instead of sunglasses. The heated handrails on KJet and the Shotover Jet help your hands, and one Shotover guest wrote that “the heated handle bars definitely helped” on a cold day. One KJet reviewer singled out the 10am winter ride as freezing. Queenstown jet boating in winter covers the season in more detail.

What to leave behind

Leave loose items, bags and anything you would mind losing. Lockers are listed at the Shotover Jet base and for Thunder Jet, and the Dart River canoe trip supplies a dry bag. On the rafting trip, the listing asks you to leave valuables at your accommodation. If you want footage on the Shotover Jet, a head-mounted camera is the only kind its GetYourGuide listing allows. KJet, Thunder Jet and the Dart River canoe trip say you are welcome to bring your own camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear on the Shotover Jet?

Wear warm clothing and sunglasses, per the GetYourGuide listing, with a hat, gloves and warm layers in winter. Eyewear is recommended all year. The operator’s own FAQ says spray jackets are not provided and recommends a waterproof outer layer, and reviewers suggest warm clothes even on a sunny day. See our Shotover Jet page for the rest of the ride details.

Can you take your phone on the Shotover Jet?

Yes, under the operator’s current rule. Its FAQ says phones and cameras are carried at your own risk, must stay securely in a pocket while the boat is moving, and can be used once the boat has stopped and the driver gives the go-ahead. Hands-free cameras must be on a forehead strap or clipped to a hat. The GetYourGuide listing still says handheld phones are not permitted, so ask at check-in. Lockers are available at the river base, and photos and videos can be bought when available.

Do they give you a jacket on a Queenstown jet boat?

On some rides. The Dart River trips supply water and windproof jackets, and Skippers supplies spray jackets, with gloves in winter. The Shotover Jet’s own FAQ says spray jackets are not provided, and KJet’s FAQ suggests bringing your own waterproof jacket. Every ride supplies life jackets.

What should I wear jet boating in winter?

Wear a hat, gloves and several warm layers under a windproof outer jacket, and bring sunglasses or goggles. KJet and the Shotover Jet both have heated handrails in winter, and reviewers on both describe the cold as the main thing to prepare for. Queenstown jet boating in winter covers the season.

Do I need a swimsuit for jet boating in Queenstown?

Not for the jet boat rides themselves. You need swimwear only on the combos: the Kawarau rafting trip asks you to bring a swimsuit and towel, and the Dart River canoe day asks for swimwear. Both supply wetsuits.

What shoes should I wear jet boating?

Wear comfortable, closed shoes. The Dart River Wilderness Jet’s Viator listing recommends comfortable, supportive close-toed shoes, and KJet’s Viator listing asks for comfortable shoes. On the rafting and canoe trips, wetsuit booties are supplied.

If you are also wondering how much water to expect, read do you get wet jet boating in Queenstown?. To choose a ride first, start with which Queenstown jet boat is right for you, or read our KJet breakdown.