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All You Need to Know about Queenstown Jet Boating Timings

Your guide to Queenstown jet boating timings

Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers enjoying the ride.
  • Location: Kawarau and/or Shotover River
  • First departure: 10am (every hour)
  • Last departure: 4pm
  • Frequency: Hourly departures.​
  • Check-in required: 15 minutes before departure at Main Town Pier or Frankton Marina.
  • Child policy: Age 2-4 rides free with adult; 5-14 child ticket.
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
Book Kawarau River tours
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
  • Location: Shotover River
  • First Departure: 9:30am
  • Last Departure: 4pm
  • Frequency: Approx. every 45–60 minutes.​
  • Check-in required: 30 minutes before at Shotover Jet River Base; shuttle users check in 45 minutes prior at the Station Building (Queenstown CBD).
  • Child policy: Minimum age 3 (infant), min. height 1.0m.
  • Duration: 25 minutes.
Book Shotover River tours
Jet boat on Dart River with tourists enjoying Funyak adventure in New Zealand.
  • First departure: 8:30am from Queenstown (with shuttle) / 9:30am from Glenorchy (self-drive)
  • Last departure: 1pm from both Queenstown and Glenorchy (daily)
  • Frequency: Two departures per day year-round.​
  • Check-in required: 
    • Queenstown: 1 hour 15 minutes before departure at The Station Building, Duke Street
    • Glenorchy: 15 minutes before at Dart Visitor Centre, 45 Mull Street
  • Child policy: Minimum age 5 years.
  • Duration: 2+ hours.
Book Dart River tours
Blue jet boat speeding through Skippers Canyon, New Zealand.
  • First departure: 8:30am in summers, 9am in winters
  • Last departure: 3:30pm summers, 1pm winters
  • Frequency: Two departures daily in winter, three departures daily in summer.​
  • Check-in required: At the bus stop on the Camp St side of The Station Building, Queenstown 10 minutes before departure.
  • Child policy: Minimum age: 3 years (child rates 3–15 years).
  • Duration: 2.5–3 hours.
Check Skippers Canyon tours

What's the best time to do Queenstown jet boating?

Peak season vs low season

  • December – February (Summer): High crowds; warm, long days ideal for all operators and families.
  • March – May (Autumn): Moderate crowds and prices; crisp scenery with vivid gold foliage.
  • June – August (Winter): Low traffic; colder conditions but dramatic alpine beauty and calm rides.
  • September – November (Spring): Medium visitor flow; wildflower bloom and renewed rivers.
  • Booking tip: Book 2–3 weeks ahead in peak months; check live status in off-season.
Plan your visit

Weekday vs weekend

  • Weekdays: Quieter piers and smoother check-ins make weekdays ideal for families and solo travelers. Same-day bookings are usually available.
  • Weekends: Expect larger crowds and tour groups, especially on late-morning departures. Book 5–7 days in advance to secure your slot.
  • Early mornings: Fewer boats on the river and softer light for photos, often the best mix of calm and scenery.
  • Afternoons: Slightly busier but offer golden-hour lighting and a livelier atmosphere, especially in summer.

How long does a Queenstown jet boat ride last?

Standard jet rides (KJet, Shotover Jet): Expect about 1–1.5 hours total, including check-in, safety briefing, and photo time.

  • KJet: The full ride lasts 60 minutes, covering 45 km across Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau, and Shotover Rivers at speeds up to 95 km/h.​
  • Shotover Jet: The ride itself is 25 minutes of pure adrenaline through narrow Shotover Canyons, with a total experience time of roughly 1 hour, including transfers and check-in.​

Adventure & combo tours (Dart River, Skippers Canyon): These experiences range from 2 to 5 hours total, depending on the tour.

  • Dart River Wilderness Jet: 2 hours on water, 4.5–5 hours door-to-door from Queenstown; the Funyaks combo adds up to 8.5–9 hours, including canoeing and lunch.​
  • Skippers Canyon Jet: Includes scenic transfers and stops; total experience 2.5–3 hours, with about 25–30 minutes of on-water time.​

Timing tips:

  • Arrive 15–45 minutes early, depending on operator (longer if using shuttles).
  • Factor in time for gear-up, returning to town, and checking souvenir photos afterward.

Frequently asked questions about Queenstown jet boating timings and duration

Most jet boat experiences operate between 9am and 4:30pm daily. KJet and Shotover Jet typically run hourly departures, while Dart River and Skippers Canyon tours offer two to three fixed departures each day, depending on the season.

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Getting there

Plan your visit

Skippers Canyon

Jet boat operators