FAQ

Well we think there are lots of reasons but they definitely include:

• We are world famous as the ultimate 'Jet Boat' experience, having thrilled over 3 million people since 1965.
• We are the only company permitted to operate in the dramatic and narrow Shotover River Canyons, which is truly a unique and spectacular location giving you a real sense of the speed that you are travelling as you pass the canyon walls.
• We have high performance boats designed specifically for the canyons; riding the rapids and performing thrilling, gravity-defying stunts within a hair's breadth of the awe inspriring cliff faces. 
• And our driver’s are not only selected for their extensive driving skills but also their exuberant personalities and will ensure that you have an experience of a lifetime.

No matter what time of year, we recommend you pre-book, but particularly in peak periods to avoid an unnecessary delay or disappointment. You can check seat availability and make a Booking Online or call our Reservations Team on 0800 SHOTOVER (0800 746 868).

You will spend up to 25 minutes on the water but should allow 1 hour if self-driving to our river base, or 1 hour 45 minutes return if taking our transport from Queenstown return including your 'Jet Boat' ride.

The Shotover Jet River Base is an easy 7km drive from central Queenstown. Drive up Shotover Street (with Lake Wakatipu behind you) and onto Gorge Road. Travel along Gorge Road towards Arthurs Point and Coronet Peak. Carry on until you come to a large one lane bridge ‘Edith Cavell Bridge’, cross this and the Shotover Jet entry is immediately on your left after you’ve crossed the bridge.

Shuttle Service

Our complimentary shuttle operates regularly throughout the day for a selection of jet boat departures.

Customers must check-in at our desk inside the Station Building in Queenstown 45 minutes prior to the trip time.

The Station Building is located on the Corner of Camp & Shotover Streets, Queenstown.

This does differ dependent on the mapping software that you are using, however if you go to the ‘Attractions’ section and input Shotover Jet then we should register. If not then we are located on Gorge Road, next to the Edith Cavell Bridge in Arthurs Point. The address is 3 Arthurs Point Rd, Queenstown

The Shotover Jet River Base is an easy 7km drive from central Queenstown. Drive up Shotover Street (with Lake Wakatipu behind you) and onto Gorge Road. Travel along Gorge Road towards Arthurs Point and Coronet Peak.  Carry on until you come to a large one lane bridge ‘Edith Cavell Bridge’, cross this and the Shotover Jet entry is immediately on your left after you’ve crossed the bridge.

We recommend that you dress for the conditions and simply be mindful that there will be some wind-chill factor as you are travelling at speed.  In summer don’t forget your sunblock and some people get concerned that it may be too cold in winter, however simply dress warmly and bring a warm hat and gloves (although our handrails are heated) just like you would for skiing and sunglasses are great year round.

Some would argue that it is all part of the fun of the Shotover Jet experience to get a little wet but if you are particularly concerned about your hair style, then we would recommend that you try and sit in the centre seats on the boat. We advise to wear a waterproof/warm layers and we provide you with your life jacket. We ask you leave all electronic devices in our secure locker storage.

Our Child age is 5 – 15 years and we will carry infants (3-4 years) but all children must be a minimum of 1 metre high to be able to ride in the 'Jet Boat'. Shotover Jet does reserve the right to extend this to 1.2 metres tall should the weather and river conditions on the day dictate.  Children aged 10-15 can travel unaccompanied as long as a parent or guardian is on-site, but children any younger must travel with a parent or guardian aged 16 years or older.

If you are parents who have a child or children under 1 metre but would still like to take a ride on Shotover Jet; we can help make this happen for you if you have a little bit of extra time. We can book you on separate trips so one of you is able to ride with your children over the minimum height of 1 metre while the other is able to stay with your children who are unfortunately under the minimum height regulation or if you have a child that does not wish to take a ride on Shotover Jet. Let us help you enjoy the worlds most thrilling jet boat ride. 

Also see our Family Pass information

Yes, we have family pass rates available. Find out more.

If you are parents who have a child or children under 1 metre but would still like to take a ride on Shotover Jet; we can help make this happen for you if you have a little bit of extra time. We can book you on separate trips so one of you is able to ride with your children over the minimum height of 1 metre while the other is able to stay with your children who are unfortunately under the minimum height regulation or if you have a child that does not wish to take a ride on Shotover Jet. Let us help you enjoy the worlds most thrilling jet boat ride.

We have complimentary locker facilities at our Beach Reception Unit just prior to boarding the 'Jet Boat'. However, we do recommend that you leave your valuables at home as these lockers are shared with the others on your boat tour. Unfortunately we can’t be held accountable for any loss that you incur while you are with us.

You are welcome to bring your camera to Shotover Jet as there are plenty of great photo opportunities on the Shotover Jet Beach or from our viewing deck overlooking the Shotover River.  However, as there is the potential that you may get slightly wet during the trip and more importantly for the safety of yourself and other passengers only HANDS FREE cameras (see detail below) are allowed on the Shotover Jet.  These must be mounted so that you can hold on at all times with both hands and not protrude beyond your body's silhouette or interfere with any other passengers' experience. See below for details

Personal cameras are permitted if they are safely stored while the boat is in motion.  When the boat is fully stopped, you can ask your driver if it is a suitable time to take photos.  A full souvenir photo pack of your Shotover Jet ride is available to purchase and you can also upgrade this to include a 3 minute ‘Jet Cam’ video of your trip on Shotover Jet ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat.

HANDS FREE CAMERAS

The approved method of using a hands-free camera is using a forehead mount strap or clip connecting the camera to a hat. This does not in any way interfere with the people sitting beside you or behind you. The cameras included in this are the Go Pro, Sony Action cam, and Insta 360 GO. Chest straps are NOT permitted because although they do fit within our requirements the low perspective is unsuitable and we have had ongoing problems with customers standing up in the boats to get a better view!  Also not suitable are selfie sticks, wrist strap cameras or similar.

Camera head straps are available for purchase at our base building.

If for any reason, medical or otherwise, you are unable to get into and out of the jet boat without assistance, you are required to have two support people who are able to get you in and out and they must also be booked on your trip. You must also be able to hold onto the handrail and brace yourself with your feet for the full duration of the trip. If you have any specific medical conditions including breaks and fractures, or if you suffer from back or neck problems please advise us at the time of booking so we can assess and advise your suitability to travel. Please contact our friendly team if you have any other questions. Find out more about our inclusive tourism offering and the inclusive tourism movement with Making Trax

Unfortunately if you are pregnant we do not recommend that you ride on the jet boat.

We don’t have a weight limit but you must be able to fit into one of our life jackets to ride. We do have larger sizes available. If you are unable to get into and out of the jet boat without assistance,you are required to have a support person whois able to get you in and out and they must also be booked on your trip. Please contact our friendly team if you have any other questions or wish to enquire about the suitability of this experience.