Jet Boat in Queenstown (KJet) – New Zealand Day 6

by Allan See Toh on March 23, 2025 with No Comments

KJet Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown - New Zealand Campervan Adventure Day 6 — KJet Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown – New Zealand Campervan Adventure Day 6

On the sixth morning of our New Zealand adventure, we embarked on an exhilarating jet boat ride with KJet in Queenstown, the birthplace of commercial jet boating. After a short walk from our campsite near Queenstown’s Main Town Pier, we began our 60-minute journey, covering 45km across three iconic waterways: Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River, and the Shotover River.

Date visited: Nov-2024

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KJet departs from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier

Why Jet Boating in Queenstown?

Jet boating is one of the must-do activities for visitors to Queenstown. It combines high-speed action with breathtaking scenery, taking you across stunning rivers and lake landscapes. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, this experience offers the best of both worlds.

Why We Chose KJet Over Others

We picked KJet for several reasons:

Rich history – KJet was the first commercial jet boat operator in Queenstown, established in 1958. It shares the same roots as its more famous competitor, Shotover Jet, which was founded later in 1965 and operates on the upper streams of the Shotover River.
Cheaper than Shotover Jet – KJet offers a more affordable option while still delivering an exciting and scenic ride.
Longer ride – A full 60-minute journey covering 45km, compared to Shotover Jet’s 25-minute experience.
Convenient departure – KJet departs from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier, which was just a short walk from our campsite.
Great discounts – Booking online for a noon slot helped us score a discounted rate. (Check KJet’s website for the latest deals.)

KJet was the first commercial jet boat operator in Queenstown, established in 1958

What to Expect on the KJet Ride

Once we hopped on the jet boat, we were in for an unforgettable adventure. The ride took us across three iconic waterways:

Lake Wakatipu – Queenstown’s stunning glacial lake with breathtaking mountain views.
Kawarau River – Famous for its gold-mining history and rushing waters.
Shotover River – Known for its narrow canyons and thrilling rapids.

High-Speed Thrills – The jet boat reaches speeds of up to 95 km/h, making for an exhilarating experience.
360-Degree Spins – Be prepared for heart-pounding spins that will definitely get you wet.

This was one of the most exciting activities we did in Queenstown, and we highly recommend it for anyone looking for an adventure-packed experience.