Kawarau Jet

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Departures: Every hour, on the hour — 9 am to 5 pm.
From the Main Town Pier, Queenstown; check in 15 minutes before departure.

Duration: 1 hour of jetboating.

What you need: Warm jacket or fleece, casual footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera.

What we provide: Life jacket, spray jacket.

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Description

You can step onto a big yellow Kawarau Jet every hour at the Main Town Pier in the center of Queenstown. In an unforgettable jetboat experience you'll be transported from the sophisticated downtown area into the channels of two of New Zealand's most scenic rivers.

Across the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and through the tranquil beauty of the willow lined Kawarau River, the jetboat then speeds into the shallow, fast-moving braids of the Shotover River. The 43-kilometre, hour-long adventure highlights the magnificent diversity of Queenstown's waterways.

Unique glimpses of local life are afforded as the homes lining the lake shore flash by, before passengers take in stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and natural land formations. But it's not just the views and river gardens — the excitement begins in the Shotover River, where your driver's skills are challenged as he navigates the shallow, braided channels of this world-renowned river. At speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour — in water often less than 10 centimeters deep — this is where the jetboat comes into its own.

When you return to the Main Town Pier you'll descend beneath the lakes surface to view the Underwater Observatory where you can feed the fish that thrive close to the shore. Photos from your trip can be purchased here as mementos of your unique jetboat adventure.

Driven by over 40 years of passion, Kawarau Jet is locally owned and operated, and proud of its heritage as the world's first commercial jetboat operation.
Children

Children aged between 5 and 15 years are eligible for child rate. Children under 5 years travel for free.