Thunder Jet 1-Hour Ride

About This Experience

The 1-hour ride leaves Steamer Wharf, crosses Lake Wakatipu and heads down the Kawarau River into its wilderness and historic gold-mining areas, with full 360-degree spins and driver commentary on the history of the river. The operator gives the route as a 47 km round trip, quotes speeds of up to 95 km/h, and says this trip travels further down the Kawarau River than any other Queenstown jet boat experience. Thunder Jet also says it is the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board.

Check in at the Watersports kiosk on Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, in central Queenstown, no less than 15 minutes before your trip. Hotel pickup is not included, per the GetYourGuide listing, but the wharf is in the centre of town and public transport options are available nearby. The GetYourGuide listing, which sells both the 30-minute and 1-hour lengths, adds a full safety briefing before departure and a locker for your valuables during the ride.

It suits travellers who want more river and scenery from a town-centre departure, and it is listed as suitable for all fitness levels. Compare it with KJet, which also runs about an hour from Main Town Pier but covers the Shotover River as well as the Kawarau. If you only want a short ride, the 30-minute Thunder Jet costs less; if canyon walls matter most, the Shotover Jet at Arthurs Point is the better pick. This listing is rated 4.9 from only 12 Viator reviews so far, which is a small sample.

Check in 15 minutes before departure and wear weather-appropriate clothing; the GetYourGuide listing says to expect to get a little wet. Cameras are allowed at your own risk. Trips need minimum numbers to run; if they are not met, you are offered a reschedule or a full refund. The GetYourGuide listing says the ride is not suitable for children under 2, while this Viator listing says infants must sit on an adult's lap, so confirm with the operator if you are bringing a baby. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers.

Highlights

• Route is a 47 km round trip, per the operator, from Steamer Wharf down the Kawarau
• Passes the Kawarau River's historic gold-mining areas
• Operator says it goes further down the Kawarau than any other Queenstown jet boat
• Speeds of up to 95 km/h, according to the operator
• Music on board: Thunder Jet says it is the only Queenstown jet boat that plays music
• Departs from Steamer Wharf in the centre of town

What's Included

• ✓ 1-hour jet boat ride
• ✓ Full 360-degree spins
• ✓ Life jackets
• ✓ Driver-guide
• ✓ Commentary and local stories about the history of the river
• ✓ Full safety briefing before departure (GetYourGuide listing)

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (per the GetYourGuide listing)

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• A layer you do not mind getting a little wet
• A camera if you want one (brought at your own risk)

Good to Know & Caveats

• This listing has only 12 Viator reviews so far (rated 4.9), so the rating rests on a small sample.
• Check in at the Watersports kiosk on Steamer Wharf no less than 15 minutes before your trip time.
• All trips need minimum numbers to operate; if they are not met, you are offered a reschedule or a full refund.
• The GetYourGuide listing says it is not suitable for children under 2; this Viator listing says infants must sit on an adult's lap. Confirm with the operator if you are travelling with a baby.
• There are no height restrictions (GetYourGuide listing).
• Expect to get a little wet.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.

Meeting Point

The Watersports kiosk on Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, central Queenstown; check in at least 15 minutes before departure.