KJet Kawarau and Shotover Rivers Jet Boat

About This Experience

The ride leaves from Main Town Pier and lasts about an hour. The boat crosses Lake Wakatipu, enters the Kawarau River, passing rocks and running under bridges, then heads up the shallow channels of the Shotover River before returning to the pier. The listing gives the distance as 45 kilometres and quotes speeds of up to 95 km/h, with 360-degree spins along the way and views of the Remarkables. KJet describes itself as the world's first commercial jet boat company, and the listing says the boat is Kiwi owned and operated.

You board at Main Town Pier on Marine Parade, in the middle of Queenstown, so there is no transfer to arrange if you are staying in town. Check in 15 minutes before your departure. Pickup from Frankton Marina and some lakefront hotels can be arranged in advance, subject to availability, and public transport options are available nearby. The ride finishes back at the same pier, where photos and videos of your trip are available to buy.

It suits families and groups who want a longer ride without leaving town. The minimum age is 2, there is no height restriction, and there is no weight limit as long as you fit one of the life jackets, which go up to 4XL. The Viator listing notes the ride is wheelchair accessible, with caregivers helping carry passengers down the stairs. If narrow canyon walls are what you are after, the Shotover Jet at Arthurs Point is the better pick; for a shorter, cheaper ride from town, look at the 30-minute Thunder Jet.

Check in at the pier 15 minutes before departure. The boats run rain or shine, 365 days a year, with heated handrails in winter, so dress for the weather and for travelling at speed: the listing suggests sunglasses or goggles, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. You can bring your own camera or GoPro but must hold it tightly. The ride is not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant travellers, and the Viator listing also advises against it for travellers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Highlights

• Route crosses Lake Wakatipu, then runs the Kawarau and Shotover rivers
• Speeds of up to 95 km/h, per the listing, past rocks and under bridges
• Runs up the shallow channels of the Shotover River
• Views of the Remarkables from the lake
• Operates rain or shine, 365 days a year
• KJet describes itself as the world's first commercial jet boat company

What's Included

• ✓ 1-hour jet boat ride covering about 45 km of lake and river
• ✓ Safety briefing before boarding
• ✓ Life jacket, in sizes up to 4XL
• ✓ Heated handrails for winter rides
• ✓ Departure from Main Town Pier in central Queenstown
• ✓ Optional pickup from Frankton Marina and lakefront hotels, by prior arrangement

Not Included

• Photos and videos (available to buy after the ride)
• Food and drinks (per the Viator listing)
• Gratuities (per the Viator listing)

What to Bring

• Sunglasses or goggles
• Hat
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Camera or GoPro, held tightly

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check in at Main Town Pier 15 minutes before departure.
• The boats run rain or shine, 365 days a year; dress for the weather and for travelling at high speed.
• Minimum age is 2 and children must fit the smallest life jacket; there is no height restriction.
• There is no weight restriction, but you must fit one of the life jackets (maximum size 4XL).
• Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on an adult's lap (Viator listing).
• Pickup from Frankton Marina and lakefront hotels is by prior arrangement and subject to availability.
• The Viator listing states travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Meeting Point

Main Town Pier on Marine Parade in central Queenstown; check in 15 minutes before departure.