FAQ

Shotover Jet is a high-speed jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyons, featuring 360° spins, wall-to-wall canyon action, and expert driving in shallow water at speeds of up to 90km/h. It is the only jet boat permitted to operate in these canyons.

Your on-water adventure lasts approximately 25 minutes.

If self-driving, allow around 1 hour in total. If taking our return shuttle from Queenstown, allow around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Our custom-built jet boats reach speeds of up to 90km/h as you skim through the Shotover Canyons.

Yes, we highly recommend booking ahead, especially during busy periods (October to March). It is the best way to lock in your preferred time and avoid missing out. Book online or call 0800 SHOTOVER.

Absolutely. Our drivers undergo extensive training, our boats are rigorously maintained, and our operations meet Maritime New Zealand safety standards. We have been operating commercially on the Shotover River since 1965.

Yes, life jackets are mandatory and provided for all riders.

Yes, there is no minimum age. Children under 5 can ride provided they are at least 1 metre tall. Shotover Jet does reserve the right to extend this to 1.2 metres tall should the weather and river conditions on the day dictate.

When booking, select the infant ticket at the time of booking (free). The infant must travel with a fare-paying adult (age 16+) in the same boat. 

When booking online, select the infant ticket option. Infant tickets are free but must be added at the time of booking - they cannot be added at check-in. Your infant must be at least 1 metre tall and travel with a fare-paying adult (age 16+) in the same boat.

The minimum height is 1 metre. In higher river conditions this may be extended to 1.2 metres for safety. Check our website or call 0800 SHOTOVER on the morning of your visit if your child is close to the 1 metre mark. 

Yes. Adult fares apply from age 16. Child fares apply to passengers aged 5–15. 

Children under 10 must travel in the same boat as a fare-paying adult (aged 16+). 

Children aged 10-15 may ride without an adult, but a parent or guardian (aged 16+) must be physically present at the river base. 

There is no weight limit. All passengers must be able to fit into one of our life jackets and get in and out of the jet boat independently. If you need assistance boarding, you will need to bring two support people who are able to get you in and out of the boat. They must be booked on the same trip as you and pay full fare. 

Please contact our friendly team if you have any other questions or wish to enquire about the suitability of this experience. 

While we’d love to have you join us, unfortunately, we do not allow riding the jet boat during pregnancy due to the physical nature of the experience. We hope to welcome you onboard for an adventure in the future!

If for any reason, medical or otherwise, you are unable to get into and out of the jet boat without assistance please contact our team before finalising your booking. As an inclusive tourism operator we will do all we can to support your participation in our experience, however there are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to ensure the safety of our customers and team. If you need assistance, use a wheelchair or have specific medical conditions including breaks and fractures, back or neck issues, please make sure you contact our team directly, before booking and at least 48 hours before you're intending to travel so that we can advise you correctly. 

Dress for the weather - there is some windchill at speed. Sunglasses are helpful year-round.

In winter, warm layers, hat and gloves make the ride more comfortable (our handrails are heated). 

No, we recommend you bring a waterproof layer. 

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, then we would recommend that you try and sit in the centre seats on the boat. We advise wearing waterproof/warm layers and we provide you with your life jacket. We ask you leave all electronic devices in our secure locker storage. 

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.

Our river base is located at 3 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point — a scenic 7km drive from central Queenstown.

You can either self-drive or use our complimentary shuttle from Queenstown.

Self drive

Our river base at 3 Arthurs Point Road is around a 10 minute drive from central Queenstown, with parking available on site.

Complimentary shuttle

We offer a complimentary return shuttle from central Queenstown (Station Building, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown) for selected departure times, which can be selected when you book.

If you select to travel via our shuttle, you will have a reserved seat on our shuttle back to Queenstown 15 minutes after your ride, allowing time to visit our retail store and see your onboard photo and videos if available. If you wish to change the time you return to Queenstown and visit our friends at Canyon Brewery, check shuttle availability with our reservations team.

If taking the shuttle: check in at the Station Building (25 Shotover Street) 45 minutes before your ride time.

If self-driving: arrive at the river base (3 Arthurs Point Road) 30 minutes before your ride time.

Your booked time is your jet boat ride departure time — not your check-in time.

Shuttle guests need to be at the Station Building (25 Shotover Street) 45 minutes before your booked time.

Self-drive guests should arrive at the river base (3 Arthurs Point Road) 30 minutes before. 

Yes, a complimentary shuttle runs from central Queenstown for selected departure times regardless of where you booked through. Call us on 0800 SHOTOVER or email reservations@shotoverjet.com to arrange your seat, as third-party platforms do not always offer shuttle booking in their checkout. 

Spectators may travel on the shuttle on a space-available basis. Seats cannot be reserved online - call 0800 SHOTOVER or email reservations@shotoverjet.com to check availability before your visit. 

Yes, free onsite parking is available at the river base, along with lockers, toilets, a retail shop and viewing areas to watch the jet boats. 

The ride is approximately 25 minutes on the water. With our complimentary shuttle, allow 1 hour 45 minutes return. If self-driving, allow around 1 hour in total.

We operate every day of the year (weather permitting) excluding Christmas Day (25th December).

Yes, we operate year-round in most weather conditions, including light rain. In the event of heavy rainfall or flooding, trips may be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. We will contact you directly if this affects your booking.

We check river conditions every morning and update our website throughout the day. Check our page on the morning of your visit, or call 0800 SHOTOVER if you are unsure. 

If we cancel or postpone due to river or weather conditions, you are entitled to a full refund or the option to reschedule at no extra cost. Our team will contact you directly. If you booked through a third party, please contact them for your refund as their booking terms apply.

Shotover Jet operates on a dynamic river system where water levels, flow, and natural debris can change quickly. At times, these river conditions mean we may need to adjust our route. These modifications are made soley for your safety and the safety of our kaimahi. If adjustments are required, your trip is still the same duration and delivers the same high-speed thrills, excitement, and famous 360° spins that Shotover Jet is known for. 

A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Please contact our reservations team as early as possible if your plans change. If you booked through a third party, their cancellation terms apply — contact them directly. Full terms and conditions here. 

No — the price is the same wherever you book. Booking direct means your shuttle access and any changes or cancellations are handled straight away by our team without going through a third party.

All bookings through authorised third-party platforms are passed through to us. To confirm your booking details, call 0800 SHOTOVER or email our reservations team – reservations@shotoverjet.com

If we cancel due to weather or river conditions, refunds for third-party bookings are handled by the platform you booked through, as their terms apply. For cancellations you initiate, contact your booking platform directly. 

The price is the same wherever you book. Booking direct means your shuttle is arranged at the time of booking, any changes or cancellations are handled directly by our team, and you are speaking with us from the start.

Yes - we can accommodate all group sizes. You can book individual seats across standard departures or enquire about full private boat hire. Email reservations@shotoverjet.com to discuss your group.

Yes. We offer full private boat hire for groups wanting an exclusive experience. Our jet boats carry up to 14 passengers plus your driver. Private hire is subject to availability — email reservations@shotoverjet.com to check dates and discuss pricing. 

Please contact reservations@shotoverjet.com with your group size and preferred date and we will work out the best option for you. 

Yes, we offer great Family Pass. It's the most affordable way for families to experience the world-famous Shotover Jet together. Find out more.

If you're travelling with children under the minimum height requirement of 1 metre we offer a flexible solution to enable both parents to enjoy the ride, please ask our reservation team for details.

You can purchase a Gift Voucher online, and select your desired voucher amount. If the option you would like to gift is not available, please contact our team and we can arrange a customisable amount for you. 

Yes! If you have a specific amount in mind – please reach out to our team reservations@shotoverjet.com or call us to arrange. 

Once purchased, the recipient can simply apply their gift voucher reference number in the check out screen where it says “Enter promo or gift voucher code”. This can only be done through shotoverjet.com and is not valid for purchase on third party websites. 

If you have any remaining balance on your gift voucher, this can be used across multiple areas at Shotover Jet – for another experience, retail items and photo and video. It does not all have to be used at once.