How to Plan Your Jet Boat Tour in Queenstown

Looking for a thrilling adventure in Queenstown? Look no further than the Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride! This high-speed adventure takes you across Lake Wakatipu and up two of the South Island’s most iconic rivers, with 360-degree spins and speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your own jet boat tour in Queenstown.

Experience

Embark on a thrilling high-speed Jet boat ride with 360-degree spins and speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour. Speed across Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, taking in stunning views of the Remarkable Mountains. Benefit from a convenient departure point in the heart of Queenstown and enjoy a perfect all-weather activity with heated handrails. Experience an adrenaline rush on a Kiwi owned and operated Jet boat.

Highlights

The Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride offers a range of highlights to make your adventure truly unforgettable, including:

• Thrilling high-speed Jet boat ride with 360-degree spins
• Speed across Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers
• Stunning views of the Remarkable Mountains
• Convenient departure point in the heart of Queenstown
• Perfect all-weather activity with heated handrails
• Adrenaline rush on a Kiwi owned and operated Jet boat

Booking

To book your jet boat tour, visit the tour website and select the date and time of your preference. You will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information about your tour.

Location and Departure

The tour departs from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, which is located in the heart of the city. Simply arrive at the pier at your selected departure time, and show your confirmation to the staff to board the jet boat.

What to Expect

When you arrive at the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff of the jet boat tour company. They’ll provide you with a life jacket and a quick safety briefing before you climb aboard the big yellow jet boat. Once on board, hold on tight as you accelerate across the water and feel the exhilaration of a high-powered twin-engine boat that powers across Lake Wakatipu. You’ll experience the twists and spins as you enter the Kawarau River and race past rocks and under bridges at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour. Don’t forget to grip the heated handrails for a comfortable ride. The entire tour lasts around 1 hour, after which you’ll return to the Main Town Pier.

What to Bring

When packing for your jet boat tour, we recommend bringing the following items:

• A warm jacket, as it can get chilly on the water
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind
• A waterproof camera to capture the stunning views

Book Your Tour Now

The Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride is an experience not to be missed in Queenstown. With thrilling speeds and stunning scenery, this adventure is perfect for adrenaline junkies and sightseers alike. Book your tour today and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Queenstown: Frequently Asked Questions

Queenstown is a beautiful resort town located in the South Island of New Zealand. The place is renowned for its stunning landscapes, lively nightlife, and adventurous outdoor activities. To help you plan your visit to Queenstown, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

1. What is Queenstown known for?

Queenstown is known for its breathtaking scenery, adventurous outdoor activities, and lively nightlife. It is often referred to as the “adventure capital of New Zealand” due to the range of activities available to visitors, such as bungee jumping, skiing, hiking, and jet boating.

2. When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

The best time to visit Queenstown depends on your interests. If you want to indulge in winter sports, then the best time to visit is from June to August. However, if you prefer warmer weather and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, then spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are excellent times to visit.

3. What are the top things to do in Queenstown?

There are numerous exciting and adventurous things to do in Queenstown, including:

1. Bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge
2. Skiing and snowboarding in the winter season
3. Explore the Milford Sound
4. Go jet boating on the Shotover or Kawarau River
5. Participate in the Skyline Gondola and Luge
6. Visit the picturesque Arrowtown and its historic Chinese settlement
7. Embark on a guided hike through the Routeburn Track or the Milford Track

4. What is the best way to get around Queenstown?

The most convenient way to get around Queenstown is by renting a car. However, for those who prefer public transport, the town has an excellent public transport system comprising buses and taxis.

5. What are the best places to eat and drink in Queenstown?

Queenstown boasts a fantastic culinary scene, with a range of dining options available for all budgets. Here are some of the most highly recommended places to eat and drink:

• Fergburger: A popular fast-food joint renowned for serving the best burgers in Queenstown.
• Bespoke Kitchen: Famous for its excellent coffee, hearty breakfast, and brunch options.
• The Bunker: A classy restaurant located in a beautifully restored historic building, serving exquisite New Zealand cuisine.
• Botswana Butchery: A high-end steakhouse with a fantastic waterfront location and an extensive wine list.
• The Winery: A quaint wine bar that offers over 80 types of wine for tasting and purchase.
• The World Bar: A lively cocktail bar that often features live music and DJs.

6. What is the climate like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a cool and temperate climate. The average temperature in summer (December-February) is around 19°C, while the winter (June-August) temperature averages around 6°C.

7. What are the most scenic places to visit near Queenstown?

Queenstown is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Here are some of the most scenic places to visit near Queenstown:

• The Milford Sound: A stunning fjord renowned for its stunning waterfalls and wildlife.
• Glenorchy: A picturesque village located near Lake Wakatipu, famous for its outdoor activities and scenery.
• The Remarkables: A stunning mountain range renowned for its skiing and hiking trails.
• Mount Cook National Park: A breathtaking alpine region home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook.
• Wanaka: A charming town located near Lake Wanaka, renowned for its fantastic hiking and skiing trails.

8. What is the nightlife like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants catering to all tastes. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Skybar: A rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Wakatipu.
• Bardeaux: A chic wine and cocktail bar located in central Queenstown.
• Pub on Wharf: A lively pub offering a range of beers, cocktails, and pub grub.
• Barmuda: A trendy cocktail bar located in the heart of Queenstown.
• The Find: A modern bar with a fantastic ambiance and an extensive drinks menu.

9. What is the best accommodation option in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a range of accommodation options available for all budgets and preferences, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the most highly recommended places to stay include:

• The Rees Hotel: A luxurious hotel offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu.
• Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa: A high-end hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.
• YHA Queenstown Lakefront: A budget-friendly hostel located near the town centre.
• Crowne Plaza Queenstown: A modern hotel with a fantastic location overlooking the lake.
• The Dairy Private Hotel: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.

10. What is the best way to explore Queenstown?

The best way to explore Queenstown depends on your interests. If you enjoy outdoor activities, then embarking on a guided hike, skiing or snowboarding, and jet boating are excellent ways to experience the scenery and landscapes. For a more laid-back experience, exploring the town’s culinary scene and nightlife is highly recommended.

Queenstown is a fantastic destination that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re an adventurous thrill-seeker or prefer laid-back relaxation, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful town.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand due to its picturesque location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and its proximity to the stunning Southern Alps. It is also known as the “Adventure Capital of the World” because of the wide range of adventure sports and activities that it offers. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Queenstown.

1. Try Adventure Sports

If you are an adventure lover, Queenstown is the perfect destination to try a wide range of adventure sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, jet boating, river rafting, and zip lining. The best spot to try bungee jumping is the Kawarau Bridge, which is also the world’s first commercial bungee site. If you want to try skydiving, there are several operators in Queenstown that offer tandem jumps from 15,000 feet with amazing views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.

2. Visit Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a stunning fjord located in Fiordland National Park and is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in New Zealand. You can take a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a scenic drive through the Southern Alps, visit the Mirror Lakes, and take a cruise through the Milford Sound. During the cruise, you will see towering waterfalls, sheer rock faces, and rugged peaks that rise straight out of the sea.

3. Go Hiking

Queenstown has a wide range of hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. If you want to take a short walk, you can go for a stroll around Lake Wakatipu or take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and walk down the Tiki Trail. For longer hikes, you can try the Ben Lomond Track, which takes around 6-8 hours return and offers panoramic views of Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

4. Take a Wine Tour

Queenstown is surrounded by several world-renowned wineries, and taking a wine tour is one of the best ways to explore the region’s food and wine scene. You can visit the Central Otago wine region and taste some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Rieslings. The wine tours usually include tastings, lunch, and visits to the vineyards.

5. Visit Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town located about 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. It is known for its charming heritage buildings, tree-lined avenues, and stunning autumn colors. You can take a stroll down the main street and explore the boutique shops, cafes, and museums.

6. Enjoy the Nightlife

Queenstown has a vibrant nightlife, and there are several bars, pubs, and nightclubs that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can try out some of the local craft beers, listen to live music, or dance the night away.

7. Enjoy the Scenery

Queenstown is known for its stunning scenery, and there are several ways to enjoy it. You can take a scenic helicopter or plane ride over the Southern Alps, go for a hot air balloon ride, or take a leisurely drive along the Crown Range Road, which offers panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin.

8. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Queenstown is also a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. There are four ski fields within easy reach of Queenstown: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone. These ski fields offer a range of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. In conclusion, Queenstown is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys good food and wine. With its stunning scenery, world-class adventure sports, and warm hospitality, Queenstown offers something for everyone.