Queenstown River Cruises: the 7 to Book First

1.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Our pick

Race through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons on a 25-minute jet boat ride with high-speed turns, white-water rapids, and 360-degree spins. Drivers such as Peter, Joe, Paul, and Matt add local stories and humor. A complimentary Queenstown shuttle is available, and groups stay small.

“Best boat ride ever, Crew was amazing and friendly. Had the best time with my family and it will definitely be one for the books.”

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2.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89Best value

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, splashy ride across Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River, and the Shotover River. Your English-speaking driver may be Puni, Sam, Reuben, Charles, or another KJet pilot. Expect speeds up to 95 km/h, sharp turns, and repeated 360-degree spins.

“Very fun activity in just an hour. Guide was excellent and kept us entertained with splashes and spins. Water was beautiful blue.”

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3.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

You’ll race through the Shotover Canyons with Shotover Jet, the only operator permitted in this section of the river. Expect a 25-minute ride, close rock passes, rapids, and sharp 360-degree spins. Drivers such as Paul, Matt, Joe, and Missy add commentary on local geology, Maori culture, and river history.

“This was just a great experience, very thrilling and felt like a long time on the boat. Our jet boat driver Will was very expert and gave us good insights into the boat and the history of the river. Thank you for a great experience!”

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4.KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 590 reviews · from $92

Ride KJet for one fast, wet hour across Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River, and the Shotover River. Expect mountain views, shallow-water speed, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins led by drivers such as Puni, Ben, Jack, Anton, and Reuben.

“This was our first experience on a Shotover and it was awesomely thrilling. The staffs were great and helpful. The jet driver Puni was skilled and made our trip fun and exciting. Special thanks to Puni who made sure I got my beanie back which I had forgotten on the jet.”

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5.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a jet boat 45 kilometers along the glacier-fed Dart River. Your guide may include spins, river lore, Māori culture, and film-location scenery. Jordan, John, Pedro, Dean, and other drivers are praised for friendly, careful commentary.

“This was an amazing thrill ride experience. Pedro our driver and guide for the trip was very knowledgeable and passionate about the surroundings we were in and passing through explaining all the views to us. It was such a fun trip and all our fellow passengers were excited about the whole experience. This is an opportunity not to miss.”

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6.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then speed 30 kilometers up the Dart River by jet boat before paddling a funyak through side streams, rock pools, and a clear-water chasm. Guides such as Nikki, Rob, Jordan, and Ella have led trips, with lunch and all river gear supplied.

“This was a very active and fun day. The scenery is amazing. The jet boat is very fun and not early as scary as I thought it would be. Our driver was very experienced and we felt very safe. The guides for the funyak were super helpful and made that part very fun too. I was surprised how long the funyak part was - it was very pleasant.”

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7.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · from $154

Travel from Queenstown to Deep Creek by shuttle and 4WD, then paddle the Shotover River through grade 3 to 5 rapids, including Jaws, Toilet, Sequel, and the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel. Guides such as Morgan, Jess, Benji, and Erin lead the private rafting activity. Hot showers and digital photos are included.

“We had a great time! Guide was experienced and knowledgeable. It was fun and well organized. Would recommend!”

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