KAWARAU RIVER JET2RAFT

UNLEASH THE EXTREME

Double the thrills, half the time!

Start your adventure with a high-speed jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu, then blast down the Kawarau River at up to 95km/h — complete with world-famous 360˚ spins and heart-pounding turns. Pure adrenaline from the get-go!

Then switch gears and grab a paddle as you take on grade 2–3 white water rapids through the stunning Kawarau Gorge. It’s the ultimate Queenstown combo: two epic experiences, one unforgettable journey.

  • Your adventure begins at the Rafting Base
    Meet your expert rafting team, suit up in your wetsuit, and get briefed on safety before heading out. It’s all systems go!

  • Jet Boat: 30 minutes of high-speed thrills
    Skim across Lake Wakatipu and power down the Kawarau River to your rafting launch point. Feel the rush as you carve through the water with precision and speed.

  • Rafting: Scenic meets splashy
    Navigate the picture-perfect Kawarau River, tackling exciting grade 2–3 rapids - including the legendary 400m Dog Leg, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid.

  • Bonus adventure moments
    Optional cliff-jumping and rapid swimming for the brave.
    Discover a river rich in history - from gold mining and wineries to iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations.

  • Wrap it up in comfort
    Hot showers await back at the Rafting Base. You’ve earned it.

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WHY CHOOSE THE JET2RAFT EXPERIENCE?

UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPE

Soak in jaw-dropping views of untouched landscapes - scenery so cinematic it’s been featured in blockbuster films and is only accessible by jet boat and raft.

LOCALLY GUIDED

Our expert drivers don’t just navigate the river - they bring it to life with fascinating stories and historic gems that only Queenstown insiders know.

ULTIMATE RUSH

Feel the adrenaline as you skim across Lake Wakatipu and race down the Kawarau River at up to 95km/h - with iconic 360° spins that will leave you exhilarated.

EPIC RAFTING

Raft grade 2-3 white water rapids down the picture-perfect Kawarau River.

ICONIC RAPIDS

Tackle the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid, NZ's longest commercially rafted rapid.

EXHILERATING & UNFORGETTABLE

Trade your comfort zone for a jet boat and a raft, and let the river do the talking!

MORE INFORMATION

Who is it for?

  • Minimum age is 13 years old – proof of age may be required, and staff reserve the right to decline participation if age is in doubt

  • Participants under 18 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult or have parental/guardian consent

  • Minimum weight 40kg (88lbs/ 6.3st), maximum weight 120kg (264lbs/ 18.9st) - weight will be verified upon check-in

  • You need to be water-competent (i.e. able to swim 25m unaided) with moderate fitness

  • Participants with any heart condition (except managed blood pressure with medication) are not able to participate

  • Participants who are pregnant are not able to participate

  • Participants must be able to understand and follow safety briefings in English. If not, a member of their party must be able to translate.

What's included?

  • 30 minute Jet Boat ride to the raft with 360 spins

  • Full wetsuit, rafting clothing and all safety equipment

  • Extensive safety briefing

  • Rafting on the Kawarau River

  • Cliff jumping and rapid swimming (dependant on water levels)

  • Hot showers at Rafting Base

  • Return shuttle to downtown Queenstown

What to bring?

Bring your swimsuit and towel. It is advised that you don't bring any valuables with you. We do have a small valuables locker at Rafting Base if you need it.

What we provide

Wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties and a life jacket.  Along with transport, rafts, legendary guides and guaranteed epic whitewater.

Risk Disclosure - Jet & Raft

  • Adventure Comes with Some Risk - Although uncommon, high-speed water activities can carry some risk. Accidents, including water-related incidents or injuries due to sudden movements, are rare but possible.

  • Health Considerations - If you have any existing medical conditions, recent injuries, or mobility concerns, we kindly ask that you speak with one of our team members before joining the experience. Your well-being is important to us, and we’ll do everything possible to accommodate your needs and ensure a comfortable and safe adventure on the water. Thunder Jet is suitable for most guests, but if you or someone in your group requires mobility assistance, just let us know - we're here to help.

  • By choosing to ride with Thunder Jet, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks involved with jet boating and operating in a natural, dynamic environment. While we follow strict safety protocols and take every precaution to ensure your safety and enjoyment, some risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Your safety and overall experience remain our top priorities, and we're committed to making your time with us as thrilling, safe, and memorable as possible.

  • Participation in rafting activities involves a degree of risk and the rafting operator cannot absolutely guarantee participants' safety.

  • Participants need to listen carefully to our guides' instructions.

  • We reserve the right to cancel trips or substitute another river or section of river for safety reasons.

  • Please ensure you have read and accept our terms and conditions prior to sending a reservation request.

  • These rafting trips operate with minimum numbers of people. Customers need to reconfirm at least 24 hours prior to departure to ensure your trip will be operating.

  • All trips operate dependent on weather, river level and/or water temperature.

FAQ's

If you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

  • Do I need rafting experience? No, full safety briefing and training provided.

  • Can I wear glasses/contact lenses? Yes, but glasses should have a sports strap.

  • Can I raft with a disability? Possibly—case-by-case basis; contact staff in advance.

  • Will I get wet? Yes, but wetsuits help keep you warm.

  • Can friends watch? Not usually, due to remote terrain; limited viewing at final rapid.

  • What if it rains? Trips still operate—rain enhances the experience!