Thing to do
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
AJ Hackett's original 43-metre bungy from the 1880 Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, where the world's first commercial bungy jump took place in 1988.
Shotover Jet
A 25-minute high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyons at Arthurs Point, run since 1965 and owned by Ngāi Tahu.
At a glance
- Type
- Jet boat ride
- Area
- Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Official site
- shotoverjet.com
Good to know
- Free shuttle from town
- Free parking
- Lockers
- Viewing areas
Why we recommend it
Shotover Jet has been taking passengers through the canyons of the Shotover River since 1965, and more than four million people have now made the trip. The boats reach speeds of up to 90 kilometres an hour through the Shotover Canyons, a stretch of river to which the company has exclusive access. The business is proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, the iwi of this land, through Ngāi Tahu Tourism.
The ride itself lasts about 25 minutes. Expect some spray: sit in the centre seats if you want to stay drier. Life jackets are provided and compulsory, and the handrails are heated, which helps on winter mornings. Dress for wind chill, bring sunglasses and a waterproof layer, since spray jackets are not supplied, and add a hat and gloves in winter. Only hands-free cameras mounted on a head strap or hat are allowed, and straps can be hired at the base.
The river base is at Arthurs Point, about seven kilometres from central Queenstown, with free parking, lockers, toilets, a shop and viewing areas. If you are not driving, the free shuttle leaves from the Station Building at 25 Shotover Street in town; check in there 45 minutes before your ride, or 30 minutes before at the base if you are driving yourself. The whole trip takes about an hour if you self-drive, or about an hour and three quarters with the shuttle.
Families are well catered for. There is no minimum age, but riders must be at least one metre tall, rising to 1.2 metres when the river is high, and children under five travel free on an infant ticket added at booking. Under-tens must ride with a fare-paying adult aged 16 or over. Riders need to be able to get in and out of the boat unaided, or bring two support people on the same trip, and anyone with a medical condition or injury should contact the team before booking. Jet boating is not permitted during pregnancy.
The boats run every day of the year except Christmas Day, weather permitting. Heavy rain and flooding can lead to postponements, in which case you can reschedule or take a full refund, so check the website or call on the morning of your trip. Book ahead, especially between October and March. Onsen Hot Pools is just along Arthurs Point Road if you want a calmer way to end the day.
Shotover Jet FAQs
How long is the Shotover Jet ride?
The ride lasts about 25 minutes. Allow about an hour in total if you drive, or about 1 hour 45 minutes with the shuttle.
How fast does the jet boat go?
The boats reach speeds of up to 90 km per hour.
Is there a minimum age?
There is no minimum age, but riders must be at least 1 metre tall, or 1.2 metres when the river is high. Under-fives ride free with an infant ticket.
Will I get wet?
Some spray is part of the ride. The centre seats are the driest.
Where does the shuttle leave from?
The free shuttle leaves from the Station Building, 25 Shotover Street. Check in there 45 minutes before your ride.
Where is the river base?
At 3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, about 7 km from central Queenstown, with free parking.
Can I take a camera?
Only hands-free cameras on a head strap or hat are allowed. Chest mounts and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Does it run in bad weather?
Trips run daily except Christmas Day, weather permitting. If weather or river conditions cause a cancellation you can reschedule or get a full refund.