New Zealand River Cruises: 7 Sailings to Choose From

1.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Our pick

Ride with a skilled Shotover Jet driver through narrow river canyons, over shallow rapids, and into full 360-degree spins. The 25-minute trip includes local stories and dramatic views, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown, lockers, lifejackets, and optional photo purchases. Drivers such as Peter, Joe, Paul, and Matt are known for lively commentary and confident handling.

“Amazing experience! Would recommend for anyone visiting the Queenstown area. The adrenaline rush we were looking for!”

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2.Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, wet, one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, 45 kilometers of water travel, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins. Guides such as Puni, Reuben, Charles, and Sam are praised for safe driving and good humor.

“Charles, our captain and guide, is a friendly badass. This activity rocked!”

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3.Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $89

From Rapids Jet at Aratiatia, you will ride a 550-horsepower jet boat along the Waikato River with an experienced guide such as Jacob, Shannon, or Taylah. Expect narrow canyons, 360-degree spins, pressure waves, clear water, river stories, and a good chance of getting wet. The boat holds up to 11 people.

“The friendly staff, great facilities and they're willingness to accommodate our small group was amazing.”

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4.Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

Ride with Shotover Jet through the dramatic Shotover Canyons, where skilled drivers such as Paul, Matt, Joe, and Missy combine high-speed runs with tight 360-degree spins. The 25-minute trip includes safety gear, commentary, lockers, and optional Queenstown transport. Expect cold wind, little time to relax, and spectacular river scenery.

“Wow! Exhilarating through the canyons. The turns were exciting and the kids and I loved it. Thanks for an awesome experience with a fun and professional guide :)”

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5.Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 29 reviews · from $86

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Camjet tent in Cambridge, suit up, and race along the Waikato River in a V8 jet boat. Expect speeds up to 80 kph, sharp slides, 360-degree spins, and stops near Cambridge Gorge and Karapiro Dam. Guide Aaron has earned praise for mixing strong boat skills with clear stories about local history and wildlife.

“Aaron our guide was excellent very informative, had an excellent time.”

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6.Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 22 reviews · 1 hour · from $87

Cruise the lower Waikato River from Cambridge with an English-speaking guide such as Arran or Aaron. Expect a calm ecological tour with native birds, fish, cliffs, waterfalls, and the Karapiro power station, plus optional faster runs, slides, and spins. Wet weather gear and safety equipment are provided.

“The eco tour was fantastic, the tour leader was informative and generated a relaxed environment. The boat ride was also a big part of the tour and the boat was clean and tidy, there were parts that were fast, we didn't get covered with spray. it was enjoyable”

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7.Auckland: Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 11 reviews · 5h 30m · from $21Best value

Leave Westhaven Marina aboard a red and white boat and cruise beneath Auckland’s Harbour Bridge toward The Riverhead Tavern. An English-speaking guide provides commentary as you pass Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Kauri Point, and Upper Harbour scenery. The $21 fare covers the return cruise, while lunch and drinks are extra. Expect 5.5 hours and 55 steps ashore.

“relaxing boat trip .restaurant nice but avoid fish n. hips. undercooked and soggy. good service”

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