Booking choice: The Shotover Jet canyon ride, from $118 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The ride is short, but it is fast and on cold mountain water. Riders' most repeated tips are about wind in the eyes and cold hands, not about getting wet. Here is what to wear in each season and what to leave in the locker.
The quick answer
Wear a windproof or waterproof jacket, sunglasses and closed shoes. In winter add a hat, gloves and warm layers; neck warmers are handed out free. Expect spray on the spins, not a soaking: sit in the centre seats to stay driest. Phones stay zipped in a pocket; head-strap action cameras are allowed.
What should you wear on the Shotover Jet?
A windproof or waterproof jacket over warm layers, sunglasses, and comfortable closed shoes.
The operator's own advice is to dress for the weather and allow for wind chill at speed, and to wear sunglasses year-round. Riders add: bring a scarf or buff, and take the free neck warmer even if you think you will not need it.
Dressed and ready? Check times for the canyon ride.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideHow wet do you get?
A little: expect spray when the boat spins, not a soaking.
Centre seats get the least spray and outside seats the most. A water-resistant jacket keeps you comfortable, and nothing you wear needs to be waterproof from head to toe.
What should you wear in winter?
A warm hat, gloves, a scarf or buff and a proper jacket over layers: June to August in Queenstown is cold, and the wind chill at 90 km/h is sharp.
Riders who went in winter mention freezing wind in the eyes and cold hands; one tip is goggles or wraparound sunglasses. Some boats have warmed hand rails, and the neck warmers help.
What should you wear in summer?
A light windproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen: it can still feel cool on the water.
The canyon is shaded in the morning, so a jacket is worth having even on a warm day. Tie back long hair and leave hats that could blow off in the locker.
Can you take a phone or camera?
Yes, if it stays secured: small cameras and phones must be zipped in a pocket while the boat moves, and action cameras are allowed on head straps only.
Approved hands-free options include GoPro, Sony Action Cam and Insta360 GO on a head strap. The operator's photo and video packages are temporarily unavailable, so this is the way to get footage.
Want the ride itself? 25 minutes in the canyons, with a shuttle option from town.
Explore the Shotover Jet canyon rideWhere do you leave your bags?
In the free lockers at the river base, just before boarding.
The lockers are shared between groups, so do not leave valuables you cannot replace. Parking, toilets and a shop are at the base too.
What should you not bring on board?
Loose hats, handheld phones, selfie sticks and anything that can fly out of the boat.
Keep your hands for the rail: the driver signals each spin with a circling hand, and you will want to hold on.
All set? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideFrequently asked questions
Do I need a raincoat for the Shotover Jet?
A water-resistant or windproof jacket is enough. You get spray on the spins, not a soaking.
Is the Shotover Jet cold?
It can be, especially in winter: the wind at 90 km/h is cold. Wear layers, a hat and gloves from June to August.
Can I wear glasses on the Shotover Jet?
Yes. Sunglasses are recommended year-round; wear a strap if you are worried about losing them.
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
