Booking choice: The Shotover Jet canyon ride, from $118 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Every jet boat in Queenstown spins and splashes, so the choice comes down to where you want to be: in a canyon, on the lake, deep in a national park, or on a tight sprint course.
All the rides below are bookable on Viator with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The quick answer
For the canyons, Shotover Jet. For the longest ride from town, KJet. For mountains and wilderness, the Dart River. For the cheapest quick ride, the 30-minute lake and Kawarau jet boat. For pure acceleration, the Jet Sprint boats in Gibbston Valley.
How do Queenstown's jet boat rides compare?
Shotover Jet is the only canyon ride; KJet and the lake ride start in town; the Dart River is a half day out.
| Ride | Where | Length | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotover Jet | Shotover canyons | 25 minutes | 4.8 (2,869) | $118 |
| KJet | Lake, Kawarau, lower Shotover | 1 hour | 4.7 (623) | $86 |
| Dart River Wilderness | Mt Aspiring National Park | 4 hours | 4.8 (603) | $190 |
| 30-minute lake ride | Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau | 30 minutes | 4.8 (23) | $63 |
| Jet Sprint | Gibbston Valley course | 10 minutes | 4.9 (15) | $86 |
Shotover Jet: best for thrills
Twenty-five minutes through the narrow Shotover canyons at up to 90 km/h, the only ride allowed there.
From $118, with a shuttle option from town. It has run since 1965 and is Queenstown's most reviewed ride. See Shotover Jet prices.
Canyons first? Check times for the Shotover Jet.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideKJet: best for time on the water
An hour and 45 km from the Main Town Pier, across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau and lower Shotover.
From $86 and open to children from age 2. It does not go into the canyons. Compare it in Shotover Jet vs KJet.
Dart River: best for scenery
A half day from Glenorchy into Mt Aspiring National Park, on a braided, glacier-fed river below snowy peaks.
From $190, with transfers from Queenstown. Guides add stories of Maori history and the film locations nearby. Some riders find it more scenic than thrilling. There is also a full-day version with a funyak canoe paddle, from $297.
Want mountains with your jet boat? The Dart River run heads deep into a national park.
Explore the Dart River jet boatThe 30-minute lake ride: best on a budget
Half an hour of spins on Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau from Steamer Wharf, the cheapest jet boat in town.
From $63, with an hour-long version too. It is a good choice if you are short of time or want a taste before a longer ride.
Jet Sprint: best for pure acceleration
Small sprint boats on a tight course in Gibbston Valley, reaching 100 km/h in about 2.5 seconds.
From $86, or paired with an off-road 4WD ride from $165. You make your own way there, about 20 minutes from the airport.
Which ride should you choose?
Match the ride to what you want most: canyon walls, time on the water, scenery, price or speed.
- The famous one: Shotover Jet.
- Longest ride from town: KJet.
- Mountains and wilderness: the Dart River.
- Cheapest: the 30-minute lake ride.
- Fastest acceleration: Jet Sprint.
- Want to paddle the Shotover instead: Shotover River rafting.
Made up your mind? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideFrequently asked questions
What is the best jet boat in Queenstown?
For thrills, the Shotover Jet: it is the only ride through the Shotover canyons and the most reviewed. For time on the water, KJet; for scenery, the Dart River.
Which Queenstown jet boat leaves from town?
KJet leaves the Main Town Pier and the 30-minute lake ride leaves Steamer Wharf. Shotover Jet runs a shuttle from The Station Building.
Which jet boat is best for young children?
KJet, which takes children from age 2. Shotover Jet has no minimum age but needs riders to be 1 metre tall.
Ready to book
Choose your ride
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Shotover Jet: Canyon Jet Boat Ride
- 25-minute jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyons
- Life jacket, safety briefing and a neck warmer on cold days
- Optional return shuttle from The Station Building in central Queenstown
KJet: Lake Wakatipu & Kawarau River
- 60-minute, 45 km jet boat ride with 360 degree spins
- Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River and the lower Shotover River
- Departs the Main Town Pier in central Queenstown
Dart River Jet Boat Wilderness Safari
- Jet boat ride on the Dart River inside Mt Aspiring National Park
- Guide commentary on Maori history, wildlife and film locations
- Optional return coach from The Station Building, Queenstown
