Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
Overview
Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
What's Included
- Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
- Use of hot showers
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- Snacks Food and drinks
Meeting Location
88 Beach Street
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
First your jet boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport, packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls as you discover the Kawarau River and it's pristine wilderness. After 30 mins jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of the river. Raft through grade 2-3 rapids, take in the beautiful views, choose to join in on the optional rock jumping section for added fun (1hr raft time)
Please note for safety we have minimum weight restriction of 40 kg and maximum weight of 120 kg to participate.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim
- Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
- Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
- Minimum weight 40kg
- Maximum weight 120kg
- Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- All travellers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
- You must bring a swimsuit and towel
- • Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety. Detailed whitewater rafting risk disclosures are available on the RealNZ website.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3342P26
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 177 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Premium Queenstown Wine Tour
Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine...
$162
You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable...
$482
If you’re looking for the best off-roading experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in our Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built all-terrain...
$85
Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission
Explore our 5-acre oasis at Kiwi Park. A family-owned and operated wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species....
$39
Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine...
$162
You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable...
$482
If you’re looking for the best off-roading experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in our Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built all-terrain...
$85
Explore our 5-acre oasis at Kiwi Park. A family-owned and operated wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species....
$39
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
See Queenstown like never before as you take the ultimate leap of faith as you tandem skydive. Feel your adrenaline surge as you reach altitude...
$215
Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on...
$90
Prepare yourself for the ultimate jet boating experience with Shotover Jet - the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!...
$116
A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm...
$96
See Queenstown like never before as you take the ultimate leap of faith as you tandem skydive. Feel your adrenaline surge as you reach altitude...
$215
Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on...
$90
Prepare yourself for the ultimate jet boating experience with Shotover Jet - the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!...
$116
A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm...
$96
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point.
- Use of hot showers.
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided.
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques.
- Snacks. Food and drinks.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
- Use of hot showers
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- SnacksFood and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to swim
- Rafting while pregnant is prohibited
- Rafting with any heart condition is prohibited
- Minimum weight 40kg
- Maximum weight 120kg
- Minimum age is 13 years. Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- All travellers between the age of 16 and 17 years require a waiver to be signed by a guardian if they are unaccompanied
- You must bring a swimsuit and towel
- • Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety. Detailed whitewater rafting risk disclosures are available on the RealNZ website.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
