Shotover River Jet Boat Tours & Tickets

The Shotover River jet boat operates daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with rides departing hourly on the hour. The site office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, and the attraction operates seven days a week (weather and river conditions permitting), with the exception of Christmas Day (25 December).

The adult individual pass for the Shotover River jet boat is priced at 199 NZD per person. A Family Pass covering 2 adults and 2 children is available at a discounted rate; child fares apply for ages 5–15, and children aged 3–4 who meet the 1-metre minimum height ride free with a fare-paying adult.

The Shotover Jet river base is located at Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371 — a 7 km drive (approximately 10 minutes) from central Queenstown via Gorge Road across the Edith Cavell Bridge. A complimentary shuttle departs from the Station Building at the corner of Camp and Shotover Streets in Queenstown for most departures; check in at that desk 45 minutes before your booked time.

Children aged 5–15 are welcome on the Queenstown jet boat ride with a child fare. Children aged 3–4 may ride free if they meet the 1-metre minimum height requirement. All children under 10 must travel with a fare-paying adult (aged 16+); children aged 10–15 may ride unaccompanied provided a parent or guardian is present on site.

Wear wind-resistant, layered clothing year-round; the boats reach 90 km/h and wind-chill is considerable. In winter, add a warm hat and gloves. Light water-resistant fabrics are ideal for the Shotover River jet boat since some spray is expected. Sunscreen is recommended in summer.

Handheld cameras and video cameras are not permitted on board for safety reasons. Action cameras on a secure head-strap (such as a GoPro headstrap mount) are allowed. The operator's professional photographers capture images during the ride; these are available to purchase at the river base after your trip.

Bookings changed or cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure are free of charge. Cancellations made inside 24 hours may incur a fee of up to 100% of the amount paid. If the operator cancels due to weather or river conditions, passengers are offered a reschedule or full refund.

The 10:00 departure is typically the quietest, with smaller groups and calmer morning canyon light. Winter months (June–August) also see lower overall visitor numbers, making the Shotover River jet boat experience more intimate during the off-peak season.

Passengers must be able to enter and exit the jet boat independently, or with the support of two companions who hold tickets for the same departure. There is no formal weight limit, but all riders must fit into a life jacket. Pregnant travellers and those with back, neck, or serious medical conditions are advised to speak with staff before boarding.

The Edith Cavell Bridge — a Heritage New Zealand Category I structure adjacent to the base — is worth pausing at before or after your ride. Arrowtown (20 min drive) and Coronet Peak (15 min drive) pair well with a morning Queenstown adventure tour on the river. Queenstown's town centre, 10 minutes away, offers dining, the Skyline Gondola, and lake activities.

Shotover Jet operates in all weather conditions that are deemed safe, but will not run in fog or torrential rain. The operator reserves the right to cancel or adjust services due to river level fluctuations; in that case, passengers receive the option to reschedule or obtain a full refund.

Riders spend approximately 25 minutes on the water. If self-driving, allow around 1 hour total including travel and check-in. If using the complimentary shuttle from central Queenstown, allow approximately 1 hour 45 minutes for the round trip including the jet boat ride.