Waikato River Jet Boat Ride

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Highlights

  • Combine great scenery with a thrilling boat trip

  • Maneuverable jet boats are limited to 11 passengers

  • Multiple daily departure times to fit your schedule

Summary

Make your own way to the Waikato River—New Zealand’s longest—where you are suited up with spray jackets and receive a safety briefing. Climb into a powerful, maneuverable jet boat and pull into the current of the Waikato River, speeding upstream to the Aratiatia Power Station, then spinning back downstream toward a series of churning rapids. Hold on tight as you encounter the Washing Machine and Hay Barn, exciting rapids in a narrow stretch of the Waikato River, and continue to the powerful Nga Awa Purua Rapids, where your driver surfs the jet boat on standing waves. Continue downstream to see the Waikato River’s thermal activity, as well as some gorgeous riverside scenery, before powering back upstream on the exciting return trip to the jet boat base camp.

Tour info

Duration
35 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Speed through white-water rapids and straightaways on a thrilling Waikato River jet boat ride that hits up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour through some of the river’s narrowest parts. The jet boat spins, banks, and makes hairpin turns, then surfs the powerful waves at Nga Awa Purua Rapids. Sit back, hold on, and keep warm with your spray jacket and heated handrails.

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What’s included?

  • Experienced Professional Guide

  • Fitted Life Jackets provided

  • Waterproof Jackets provided

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges

  • Parking and Bathroom Facilities Available

  • Souvenir photos (for purchase for NZ$45)

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 35m

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Rapids Jet

About operator:

The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand’s best white water Jet Boat Ride, Rapids Jet.Conveniently located just 15 minutes drive north of Taupo and 50 minutes south of Rotorua, Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand.Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga AwaPurua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy and Gazza.Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-89 years have safely experienced the thrill of real white water jet boating with Rapids Jet.We have thousands of hours experience driving jet boats both in New Zealand and overseas, so you can be sure you are in safe hands with Rapids Jet. Let us share our love of jet boating with you, book a ride on Rapids Jet today.

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