Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

Imagine zipping across the Kawarau River in a powerful jet boat, then floating down on a beginner-friendly rafting trip surrounded by scenery straight out of a movie. This adventure lasts about 4.5 hours, costs $187 per person, and includes transportation, safety gear, guides, and stunning views. It’s a package perfect for first-timers or anyone craving a dose of adrenaline mixed with jaw-dropping landscapes.

What we particularly love about this experience is the combination of high-speed thrills and the gentle serenity of the river, offering a balanced taste of Queenstown’s outdoor playground. Plus, the guides seem genuinely enthusiastic and safety-conscious — a big plus when trying activities involving water and rapid speeds.

One consideration to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t suited for children under 13, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions. So, if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, check the restrictions beforehand to ensure everyone can enjoy it safely.

This trip is best suited for adventure seekers who appreciate beautiful scenery but aren’t necessarily looking for intense, technical rapids. If you want a fun, accessible introduction to whitewater in a stunning setting, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly experience: Suitable for first-timers with manageable rapids (grade 2-3).
• Stunning scenery: Filming locations like Lord of the Rings make this landscape extra special.
• Thrilling start: The jet boat ride features high speeds and spins, setting an energetic tone.
• Safety and guidance: Guides are experienced, friendly, and prioritize safety.
• Additional options: Cliff jumping is available for those seeking extra excitement.
• All-inclusive package: Includes transfers, gear, safety briefing, and hot showers afterwards.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Kawarau River Adventure

Starting Point: Queenstown to the River Base

Your day begins with a roundtrip bus transfer from central Queenstown, a benefit that spares you the hassle of driving and parking. The journey takes you through scenic routes, building anticipation for what’s ahead. Once at the base, you’ll be fitted with all necessary gear — wetsuits, helmets, paddles, and safety equipment. This gear keeps you warm and protected, which is especially important given the cool waters in New Zealand’s mountain climate.

The Jet Boat Ride: An Adrenaline Kick

Before hitting the water for rafting, you’ll hop onto a 25-minute jet boat transfer. This part of the experience is what many reviews highlight as the highlight — and for good reason. With speeds reaching 95 km/h and 360-degree spins, the jet boat ride is a wild, splashy start to your Kiwi adventure. Many reviewers mention how Jess or other guides kept the ride exciting and fun, with some noting the thrill of the spins as the real standout.

For most travelers, the jet boat is a perfect teaser — exciting, quick, and filled with fun moments. As one reviewer put it, “The jet boat was the highlight of the activity,” and many appreciated the adrenaline rush before settling into the more relaxed rafting.

Whitewater Rafting: A Relaxed, Scenic Float with Action

Once at the rafting station, your guides will give an extensive safety briefing. Rest assured, safety is front and center, and even first-timers can feel confident with friendly, professional guides leading the way. The 8 km stretch of the Kawarau River features grade 2-3 rapids, with occasional higher water levels bringing grade 4 sections, including the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand — the Dog Leg.

Expect a mix of exciting rapids and peaceful stretches where you can float, take in the views, or even swim if you feel brave. Many reviews praise the spectacular scenery, including rugged canyons and lush greenery, which served as film locations for major movies like Lord of the Rings.

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The Dog Leg Rapid: The Main Event

The highlight for many is navigating the 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid. This rapid, rated grade 3/4, offers a real sense of accomplishment. Some guides or fellow adventurers participate in cliff jumping — optional but popular — while others prefer to watch and cheer.

Several reviews mention the friendly and humorous guides, who keep the mood light and safe. One reviewer said, “Morgan was our guide and she was absolutely amazing,” highlighting how the guides elevate the experience.

Additional Fun: Cliff Jumping and Swimming

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt to jump off cliffs into the river — an optional extra that adds a splash of extra adrenaline. Many reviewers found this to be a memorable, fun moment, with one stating, “Stopped to do some cliff jumping which was fun.” Even if you choose not to jump, the opportunity to float and swim in the river’s calm sections offers a relaxing break from the rapids.

After the Adventure: Warm Showers and Digital Photos

Back at the base, you can warm up with hot showers — a much-appreciated touch after getting wet. The tour provides complimentary digital photos, which many travelers report receiving shortly after their adventure. These snaps capture the fun moments, making it easier to relive the trip or share with friends and family.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Transportation and Timing

The included roundtrip bus transfer simplifies logistics, especially since Queenstown’s compact town center makes it easy to access. The tour often runs in both the morning and afternoon, allowing flexibility in planning your day.

Duration and Group Size

Spanning about 4.5 hours, this tour balances activity with downtime, making it suitable for most travelers’ schedules. The group size is generally kept manageable, with large enough boats to carry 6-7 people plus guides, ensuring personalized attention and a lively atmosphere.

Price and Value

At $187 per person, the cost covers transportation, gear, experienced guides, safety briefings, and the thrill of both jet boating and rafting. Many reviewers feel this offers good value, especially considering the quality of the guides and the scenery.

Restrictions and Considerations

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, or those over 120 kg (264 lbs) or under 40 kg (88 lbs). Participants must be water-confident and able to swim, and all must sign waivers. This focus on safety ensures a fun but responsible adventure.

What the Reviews Say

• Authentic Guides: Multiple reviewers praise guides like Morgan for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep everyone safe.
• Amazing Scenery: Several mention how the river views are “beautiful,” with some noting filming locations from films like Lord of the Rings.
• Fun and Relaxing Mix: Many found the experience “fun,” with a good balance of adventure and tranquility.
• Memorable Moments: Cliff jumping, swimming, and the jet boat spins are highlighted as unforgettable highlights.
• Safety First: Nearly all reviews emphasize how guides make safety a priority, increasing confidence for first-timers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for beginners and those seeking a fun, scenic outing. If you’re after high-adrenaline, technical whitewater, this might not be the right fit, but if you want a balanced taste of thrills and relaxation with spectacular scenery, it’s ideal. Families with older children (13+) will find this a memorable bonding experience, especially with the optional cliff jumps for the adventurous.

Final Thoughts

The Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride offers a well-rounded, exciting introduction to New Zealand’s famous outdoors. Combining a high-speed jet boat ride with a gentle, scenic raft, guides who know how to have fun while prioritizing safety, and views straight out of a fantasy film, it’s a tour that delivers both adventure and picture-perfect scenery.

You’ll love the feeling of being on the water, the thrill of the spins, and the chance to jump into the river or float peacefully beneath dramatic cliffs. It’s a fantastic way to experience Queenstown’s outdoors without the need for technical skills, making it perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to add a splash of excitement to their trip.

If you want a memorable, active day in Queenstown with friendly guides and stunning landscapes, this tour hits the sweet spot — fun, safe, and full of moments to remember.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 13, so it’s best for teens and older. Participants need to be water-confident and able to swim.

Do I need prior rafting experience?
No prior experience is necessary. The trip is designed for first-timers, with guides providing thorough safety instructions and support.

How long does the entire experience last?
It lasts about 4.5 hours, including transfers, gear fitting, the jet boat ride, rafting, and showers.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour provides all safety gear, but cameras are not allowed during the activities.

Can I participate if I have health issues?
Participants should be in good health, water-confident, and able to swim. Pregnant women and those with certain health conditions are advised against joining.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Many say the jet boat ride with spins and speeds is the most exhilarating part, but the scenic rafting and the Dog Leg rapid are close contenders.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want a snack afterward.

This experience provides a fantastic mix of thrills, stunning scenery, and friendly guides — a true Queenstown highlight for anyone wanting a taste of adventure with breathtaking views.

You can check availability for your dates here: