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 1970.
• 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 also offer Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360° spins.
• 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.

Shotover Jet ‘Big Red’ Jet Boats depart up to every 15 minutes and operate every day (river and weather conditions permitting) except Christmas Day.  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 25 minutes on the water but should allow 1 hour 30 minutes Queenstown return including your 'Jet Boat' ride.

You are welcome to self-drive to our River Base building located at Gorge Road, Arthurs Point or take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service, which departs from the ‘The Station’ Information Centre located on the corner of Camp & Shotover Streets in the heart of Queenstown up to every 15 minutes.

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 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, after approximately 5kms you will come to a small one lane bridge at Arthurs Point. Carry on and after a short distance you will come to another larger 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 do provide full length spray jackets to wear under your life jackets but we require you leave all electronic devices in our secure locker storage.

If you have any specific medical condition including breaks or fractures or you suffer from back or neck problems please advise us at time of booking so we can assess and advise your suitability to travel.  Unfortunately if you are pregnant we do not recommend that you ride on the 'Jet Boat'.

Spectators are welcome to utilise our complimentary shuttle service free of charge on a ‘space available’ basis.  There is a large viewing deck at the Shotover Jet River Base so friends and family can witness your trip on Shot Over Jet ‘Big Red’ and there is a café located next to our Base Building for coffee, light refreshments or lunch.

Children 5 – 15 years travel for $69 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 traveling with your family (2 adults and 1 or more children – or – 1 adult and 2 or more children) you receive a FREE 6x8 family photo worth $20 and a FREE Shotover Jet Family Pass Card with over $250 worth of savings at Queenstown's best family friendly businesses, therefore come and ride the Shotover Jet early in your visit.

Yes - we have complimentary secure locker facilities at our Beach Reception Unit just prior to boarding the 'Jet Boat'.

You are definitely welcome to bring your camera with you 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 for the safety of yourself and other passengers personal cameras, video cameras and mobile phones are not permitted on the 'Jet Boats'. 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 personal trip on Shot Over Jet ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat.