Top South Island Jet Boat Tours

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

If you like to combine sightseeing with extreme adventure, this jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River is for you. Skim over the surface of the water at up to 59 miles per hour and lean into 360-degree spins. If you remember to look at the view, you’ll be impressed by the snow-capped mountains and river canyons you zip through. A fun family-friendly activity.

This full-day adventure includes a 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, situated amid the untamed beauty of UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Travel by coach from Queenstown to Glenorchy, where you speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle with several passengers in a flotilla behind your guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off plus picnic lunch and all equipment are included.

This exhilarating alternative to slow sightseeing cruises allows you to whizz around Lake Wakatipu on a jet boat and feel the thrill of twists, turns, and riding over rapids. During the adventure, access scenic views of cliffs and natural wonders, as you ride along the Kawarau River—the perfect option for nature lovers and thrillseekers alike.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the 2hour and 15 minute Te Anau glowworm caves tour, starting with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Swim with dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, where Hector’s dolphins—found only in New Zealand—visit the waters of the Banks Peninsula. Cruising the sheltered harbor by jet-powered catamaran so you can swim up close, learn from the highly trained crew how to interact safely with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. Just 12 swimmers are permitted per vessel, ensuring an intimate experience in a small group. Wetsuits and masks are provided, along with a hot shower and drink on board.

Depart Queenstown aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw’ for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Travel round-trip by vintage steamship and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts, and local cheeses. Don’t miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.

A spectacular 2 hour jet-boat ride is the highlight of this Dart River Wilderness Safari from Glenorchy. During this half-day tour with a naturalist guide, venture into Glenorchy, gateway to the World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, you’ll twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River.

Inject some thrills into your standard sightseeing adventure and whip through the Southland forests at high speed on this thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding Clutha River, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans. Travel the river at rocketing speeds of around 50mph and enjoy remarkable stunts like the 180-degree Hamilton Spin!

Step into a powerful Fiordland Jet boat and cruise down the mighty Waiau River on this roughly two-hour adventure into the heart of Fiordland National Park. With no windows and no ceilings on the jet boat, you’ll hear the wind rush past you as you head down river to Lake Manapouri. Disembark and explore the Park’s ancient forest, then return in your jet boat, doing stunts along the way that you could never do in a car or tour bus.

Discover the idyllic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for the Lord of the Rings took place, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the pristine waters of the Matukituki River on a jet boat, admire spectacular landscapes, then hike past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams before ending your tour.

Thrill-seeking travelers will love zooming along the Wairau River on a 35-minute jet boat ride. Hold on tight as you race through rapids, squeeze through canyons, and rush over the shallows of the braided river. Admire the views along the way and take pictures during some of the calmer moments.

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.

Join our small group tour of Otago Harbour on our ex-Coast Guard vessel, "Protector." Fast, safe, and comfortable, you will see more of our beautiful harbor with its extensive history and abundant wildlife. Your skipper and guide will give you a commentary along the way, pointing out places of interest and facts about the wildlife you will encounter. The main attraction, of course, is the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head at the entrance to the harbor. Watch as these magnificent birds glide along the cliff faces and swoop down along the waves, sometimes beside the boat. An experience not to be missed.

Running from Lake Dunstan in North Otago through to the East Coast, the wide and blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this half-day jetboat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners.

Active, outdoor-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day jet boating and cycling combo. Zoom up the Upper Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri on a thrilling jet boat ride–don’t forget to take in the amazing views. After a short guided nature walk you’ll grab your bikes for a 7 mile (10 km) ride along a moderately challenging riverside trail. Learn about the area from your guide on the way.

Adventurous travellers will love this thrill seeking experience which includes driving off-road vehicles, jet boating, and clay bird shooting. This experience is unique as it includes all three activities, meaning visitors will make the most of the exciting opportunities available in the Queenstown region. Enjoy thrill seeking against New Zealand’s magnificent backdrop.

Explore the rivers and rainforests of New Zealand’s beautiful South Westland region on this 2-hour Waitato River safari from Haast. Hop aboard your boat and cruise up the mighty Waitato River with your guide. Admire attractive flora and fauna thriving on the riverbanks and learn of the rainforest’s varied animal and bird life. Take an optional hike into the rainforest, and enjoy thrilling spins and turns over the waves. Watch the skies for native white heron and fantails, and look out for flounder, whitebait and trout in the clear waters.

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats are the only four-seaters in the world and are guaranteed to make a screamer out of everyone it has the pleasure of meeting. Jet Sprints are next level jet boating. While Oxbow’s goal is to make sure you have the most epic experience of your life, we always put safety first. Our one-of-a-kind Jet Sprint Boats are regularly inspected and maintained to follow the highest safety standards. We also provide sturdy helmets for every passenger and take you through a safety briefing before your ride so you can relax and have the time of your life.

Arthurs Pass located deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. You will be traveling on the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing remarkable landscapes. This tour highlights an example of great engineering, spectacular waterfalls, and famous filming locations. The day will begin with a collection from your chosen accommodation before we hit the road towards Arthur’s pass, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will point out those stunning views along the way. While on this tour with us you will see a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest and ice-fed lakes and rivers! There are plenty of stops along the route, Including a fantastic jet boat experience. On the return to Christchurch you will hop aboard world-famous TranzAlpine back towards the city. Of course, we will also stop at those must-see Instagram worthy spots too along the way

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On the way down the river you will get the chance to spot rainbow and brown trout. There is an amazing view around every river bend. The ride has a pinch of adrenalin and heaps of natural beauty. Lake Manapouri is amazing and you may not see another boat in sight. Your start of part of the Kepler Track begins on disembarking from the boat at approximately 12:00 pm. A leisurely guided walk begins through towering Beech trees and even taller Rimu trees. Our guide will share his/her knowledge with you; Native trees, ferns and the occasional Bellbirds, Tuis, friendly Fantails, Tomtits, Finches and Robins will keep your camera clicking. The hike concludes at the large suspension bridge at Rainbow Reach where your transport awaits to take you back to Te Anau

Thrill seekers will enjoy this fun adventure activity combo that includes jet boating and off-roading near Queenstown. Be amazed by the speeds you’ll get to in the four-seater Jet Sprint boats, which can accelerate to 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour in just 2.5 seconds. Follow this with a ride on land in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can venture over the most rugged terrain.