Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
5
Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
By Rapids Jet
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About
Speed through white-water rapids and straightaways on a thrilling Waikato River jet boat ride that hits high speeds 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 admire the views as they whizz past.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 11 per group
Duration: 35m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- High-adrenaline ride is an exciting way to see the Waikato River
- Combine great scenery with a thrilling boat trip
- Maneuverable jet boats are limited to 11 passengers
- Multiple daily departure times to fit your schedule
- Experienced Professional Guide
- Fitted Life Jackets provided
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Parking and Bathroom Facilities Available
What's not included- Souvenir photos (for purchase for NZ$45)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Make your own way to the Waikato River—New Zealand’s longest—where you are suited up with life jackets and receive a safety briefing. Climb into a powerful, maneuverable jet boat and pull into the current of the Waikato River, speeding upstream and through beautiful scenery. Hold on tight as you encounter 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 some gorgeous riverside scenery, before powering back to the jet boat base camp.
- Start:
- 3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Rotokawa 3378, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 57188P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Minimum age is 5 years or 1 meter tall
- Family Pass includes 2 Adults and 2 Children
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 57188P1
From
$145.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Roam040521031610 contributionsStaff day outWhanganui River Adventures staff had a great ride with Shannon on the Rapids Jet. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Thank youWritten 3 May 2024
- Daydream683580520750 contributionsRecommendedHad a lot of fun. Highly recommend going and doing this. It's a pretty cool spot to go to on the boat and watch the gates opening when the river get filled up.Written 12 February 2024
- 613terencen0 contributionsReally Good.A really good experience and our driver Jacob was both very nice and very knowledgeable about the area and the river in particular.Written 26 January 2024
- JuliaC9810 contributionsGreat experienceWhat a great way to spend an hour or so. This experience is definitely for thrill seekers. Simon our driver was awesome and took us up and down the river a few times. We shot rapids, did plenty of 360 turns and got pretty soaked as well.Written 19 January 2024
- Shannon P0 contributionsJacob is great!Really fun and lots of cool facts aswell. Jacob was a great driver and host and made sure to keep checking on my 8 year old brother throughout! Loads of fun, really recommend!Written 14 January 2024
- AwesomeTinkerbell0 contributionsSo much fun, very safe yet thrilling!We had a large group of 13 and split into two boats. Both drivers were incredible and everyone had such a great time. We had a mix of ages, the oldest in her 70's and the youngest was 6. Simon was so great, very informative, safe, yet fast and thrilling. He always made sure everyone was ok. Photos were very high-res!Written 10 January 2024
- Wander163107600190 contributionsjust perfectit was really great time .it was really worth it. thanks for the good ride. driver was so fun too. im thinking of riding again while im in taupo.왜왜 최소50자라고하는거야...한국분들꼭타세요 너무재미있었어요.돈값합니다돈하나도안아까웠음 한번더탈까생각중입니다Written 1 January 2024
- T3525UYchriss0 contributionsRapid JetAmazing, great trip, incredible driver (Shannon) who added to the whole experience. Way better than Huka Jets, will definitely do it again.Written 31 December 2023
- Dreamer106305618690 contributionsHighly recommend ✨An epic jet boat experience for the whole family. Fantastic staff, lovely team and very experienced driver with lots of knowledge about the river. Very happy customers!Written 3 December 2023
- SamKingi0 contributionsFun!Great Fun! If you get motion sick, definitely recommend having motion sickness pills prior as there are many spins on this. On Sunny days, don’t bother with jumpers/ coats- it will be far too hot!Written 13 November 2023
- JontelleH0 contributionsThe best experience!My friend and I had the most incredible experience doing the Rapid Jets today! We had Shannon as our driver/tour guide who was very knowledgeable about the area, very funny & friendly and most importantly sped us around the river like a beast (in the most epic way possible)! All the staff are wonderful! We had a blast! 100% recommend anyone thinking about doing it, book your tickets now!Written 22 October 2023
- batgirlr20190 contributionsOut of this World Jet BoatingTotal value for money. Great friendly staff. Outstanding Driver. A must do experience. You'll be so disappointed if you don't do it.Written 6 June 2023
- chelzeaw20200 contributionsGood fun!Rapids Jet was a great day out and our driver Jacob was awesome. Made me feel super safe and comfortable and I loved the short breaks from the thrills to share local knowledge. I did the shotover jet a couple of years ago and honestly it was the better of the two but for the North Island this was worth the money. Our family of 5 aging from 5yo to 37yo all think it was the highlight of our NZ trip!Written 8 May 2023
- M2988AKdavidg0 contributionsBest fun in TaupoDriver Jacob was awesome. Whole experience was brilliant super highly recommend. Watch the Aratiatia dam gates first then do the trip. You will not regret itWritten 6 May 2023
- 128jackih0 contributionsWicked Awesome ExperienceThese guys are phenomenal...the entire team...from an easy place to find, to easy parking, warm welcoming from all the staff and our host driver Jacob the day was brilliant...It was my sons first time out on the jets so Jacob really made him feel comfortable and super pumped during the ride as well...Safety was paramount so he regularly checked in all the time which was great, the history on the area was brilliant too learnt a great deal from Jacob and best of all his humor was f'ing awesome...Was truly a wicked experience and the best of all Jet Rides I've ever had...also was a bonus coz we were paired with two great families...Well done guys, yous were brilliant...and the photos and videos are AWESOME..we will definitely be back...From The Barnfield-Thompson family in WHAKATANE 🤟Written 2 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
1,289 reviews
Excellent
1,208
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68
Average
8
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3
Terrible
2
AdzHopz
London, UK16 contributions
Great fun! Not only did we get to fly around on a jet boat but we were also told lots of interesting facts about the river.
Our guide Jacob was brilliant, controlled speed and made us feel safe at all times and gave plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
We paid $77 per person via BookMe.
You can either pay $45 for all the photos and video, or $15 per photo/video. We paid for the video and took screenshots for photos!
In hindsight I’d recommend splitting the cost of all the photos and video with the rest of your boat, just get one person to pay (split the cost) and then get them to email the photos to the rest of the group - we did this with white water rafting and it worked a treat!
Our guide Jacob was brilliant, controlled speed and made us feel safe at all times and gave plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
We paid $77 per person via BookMe.
You can either pay $45 for all the photos and video, or $15 per photo/video. We paid for the video and took screenshots for photos!
In hindsight I’d recommend splitting the cost of all the photos and video with the rest of your boat, just get one person to pay (split the cost) and then get them to email the photos to the rest of the group - we did this with white water rafting and it worked a treat!
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dramas38
Colchester, UK14 contributions
Feb 2020
What a great experience. I have tried several jet bot rides in New Zealand but this was by far the best. Dave, our pilot was very enthusiastic and new a lot about the river but the best part was riding the rapids at some speed, time and time again and the spins were awesome. What a great way to spend 45 minutes. Great company, great organisation, great ride. Book with these guys you won’t regret it
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, We're glad to hear you had a wicked time riding the rapids at speed! We hope to see you again.
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann Stormont
5 contributions
Jun 2020
The whole experience was fantastic. The staff were friendly and professional, ensuring we were warm and safe. Dave the driver made the ride very exciting, and also was an excellent tour guide giving us information about the river and its history. I have already been telling people in Taupo how good this experience is and will continue to promote it to tourists when the borders open and we have them back again. Highly recommended.
Written 19 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Ann,
Thank you so much for your kind words! The team at Rapids Jet loved having you and are so glad to hear you had a fantastic experience. We hope to see you again in the future, until then, stay safe!
Written 19 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mellisa George
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Loved this trip. Was very informative too not just thrills. Going over the rapids was so much fun never done that in a jet boat before. The driver was a laugh and made us feel very safe while having a great time. All staff get 10 out of 10 from me :)
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, Thank you for the awesome review! We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Written 14 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kylie
Auckland, New Zealand27 contributions
Dec 2020
This is such a cool and unique experience. Rapid Jets is weirdly very relaxing and exciting at the same time. Hovering in the rapids you get a close up view of the white water which is so rare - truly special. You also get to stop along the way to take in the stunning scenery and learn interesting facts about the Waikato River and Lake Taupo. There wasn't as many rapids as I was expecting but I would still say this is a must do activity in Taupo.
P.S Bring sunglasses - the boat goes pretty fast and it can be hard to see without them!
P.S Bring sunglasses - the boat goes pretty fast and it can be hard to see without them!
Written 15 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kylie,
Thank you for your kind words. We love sharing fun facts about the beautiful Waikato river and it's history, it's great to hear you enjoyed the experience we have to offer! We hope to see you again for another go at the rapids! :)
Happy Holidays, from the Rapids Jet team!
Written 19 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Companion21447770408
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
12.00 25/4/24 what a great jet boat ride Jacob was our driver he made the whole ride the best a would highly recommend for anyone looking for adrenaline filled fun with some history and knowledge of the river and Lake Taupo as part of the tour. The whole crew are very friendly and helpful. If you like the roar of a big block v8 and jet boats this ride is a must... best fun you can have with your pants still on . Thanks guys hope to be back again soon A++++
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel B
10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Chose this one as I’d done the Huka falls jet before, and I preferred this one. It’s a longer ride, going up and down the river a couple of times, over rapids and up to the dam. Good fun spinning the boat about 20 times in total, and getting quite high in the rapid jump where the photos and video are taken. Shannon was the pilot and he is a lively talkative fella, who was very engaging and seemed to really love what he does. We got a taxi up and wanted to walk back from the dam which is about 2-3km up a road from the Rapid Jet base, Dave who took our photos was kind enough to give us a lift up in the searing heat, so thanks a lot for that Dave much appreciated. If you’re reading I’m happy you survived 5 years living in some of the rougher areas of London!
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, We're glad to hear you had a wicked experience with us the other day! We hope to see you again in the near future.
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DavidBridson
Taupo, New Zealand18 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
I went on the Rapids Jet with three friends on Thusday 18 June. What an adventure! This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Waikato River, 'up close and personal' including the wildlife, history and volcanism.
Dave, our driver, was outstanding. His expertise in handling a 500 HP jet boat was quickly evident as we hurtled along the Waikato River at 80 kph with numerous 180 degree turns thrown in for good measure. We never felt unsafe. The manoevrability of the jet boat is remarkable.
Dave addressed each of us by our names. He is humorous without belittling anybody, is knowledgeable and takes the trouble to ptonounce te rro Maori properly.
This is an exceptional experience. Don't miss it.
Dave, our driver, was outstanding. His expertise in handling a 500 HP jet boat was quickly evident as we hurtled along the Waikato River at 80 kph with numerous 180 degree turns thrown in for good measure. We never felt unsafe. The manoevrability of the jet boat is remarkable.
Dave addressed each of us by our names. He is humorous without belittling anybody, is knowledgeable and takes the trouble to ptonounce te rro Maori properly.
This is an exceptional experience. Don't miss it.
Written 21 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora David, the Rapids Jet team love being able to share this wonderful stretch of water and passing the knowledge on to our customers about the Waikato river. We're pleased to hear that you and your friends enjoyed their time with Dave. Thank you for the wicked review and we hope to see you and your friends in the near future!
Written 25 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick R
7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We had a fantastic experience with this company yesterday .
White knuckle ride up and down the river through the rapids .All members in our holiday group 4 adult 2 kids thoroughly enjoyed it .Shannon our driver of the boat made it even more fun with his impressive driving skills and his numerous stories he shared with us along the way.
Would thoroughly recommend this company to all.
Great fun for all .
It was an added bonus to be able to purchase photographs of the exoerience too .
White knuckle ride up and down the river through the rapids .All members in our holiday group 4 adult 2 kids thoroughly enjoyed it .Shannon our driver of the boat made it even more fun with his impressive driving skills and his numerous stories he shared with us along the way.
Would thoroughly recommend this company to all.
Great fun for all .
It was an added bonus to be able to purchase photographs of the exoerience too .
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunayan S
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Must try for the visitors visiting to Taupo. Rapid jets is the name of the company that the visitors should look for. All the staffs were very friendly and the captain of the boat, I think his name is Simon, is very experienced. Big thank you to the team at Rapid jets.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora!
Thank you for taking the time to write us this wicked review! The team are always happy to be able to provide you with the amazing experience that is, Rapids Jet!
We hope to have you back again, Thanks again!
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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