Jet Boat Hire
35 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$145
per adult
Rapids Jet
Rapids Jet
5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
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 jet boating 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 Awa Purua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-93 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.
Taupo, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(73 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,908 reviews
Excellent
1,775
Very good
110
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Jason V
Charlotte, NC165 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Great fun! I've done the jetboat ride down in Queenstown, so this was a chance to experience it again in a different place. I enjoyed it just as much. It is such a unique experience you don't really find outside of New Zealand. The driver was humorous, friendly, and skilled. We learned about the boat, the area, and some history, along the way.
The ride didn't feel too short. We had 360 spins, a little bit of air, and nice sharp cuts back and forth around obstacles. Great fun and a must-do when in New Zealand!
The ride didn't feel too short. We had 360 spins, a little bit of air, and nice sharp cuts back and forth around obstacles. Great fun and a must-do when in New Zealand!
Written 26 November 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.
KTownChic
Kawerau, New Zealand3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
Best Māori owned rapid jet boat tour! Brilliantly skilled jet boat skipper & interesting stories along the 35min ride. Highly recommend A++
Written 21 November 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.
Caleypoopoo
Kinross, UK49 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
This is an experience not to be missed. All the staff were extremely friendly and put you at ease. The jet ride was full of fun and thrills and was fantastic. I'd definitely recommend this. I opted for the photo & video to look back on this great day out
Written 15 November 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.
SamKingi
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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 14 November 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.
Jimmy B
Waikawa, New Zealand2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was loads of fun. Simon was a great driver and host and really made this trip loads of fun for myself and Liu Fang. We also purchased the photo package and got over 30 fantastic photos to look at afterwards.
Written 13 November 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.
Ken H
Perth Hills, Australia6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had an amazing ride with Jacob. He drove the boat to its limits to give us the best ride. His chat on the river was great with interesting facts about the river. He has an interesting perspective on Aussies which was fun
Written 6 November 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.
Cheryl L
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Amzing experience and team well trained and felt safe and comfortable! Would do it again and price was fair compared to other companies
Written 4 November 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.
Arls B
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
So much fun and the tip it’s of movie info along the way added to the experience. Although it rained it was so worth doing. A must do if you are going to visit Taupo. Our driver was so terrific and the entire team were great.
Written 30 October 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.
Leah S
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This was so much fun! We took our two kids aged 8 and 10 and we all had an absolute blast. Shannon, our driver was very skilled and super friendly. We did many things on our trip to NZ and this was my partner’s favourite. The rapids added an extra fun element to the experience.
Written 23 October 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.
Jontelle H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
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
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.
tinhut594
Taupo, New Zealand
How do I find the photos from Wednesday 12 April?
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi There, Sorry for such a delay in getting back to you! The photos need to be purchased from the Rapids Jet base after your trip. We do keep them on record for a while so give us a call on 0800 727437 and we may be able to help you out!
kjanelee
Bangkok, Thailand
Hello.
Is it possible to ride 7 years old kid?
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hello there. Yes, our minimum age is 5 years old and one meter tall. Please call us on 0800 727 437 and we can book you in at a date and time that suits you.
Stephanie S
Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
Are you open Xmas day?
Thanks
kiwiman13
Newark, CA137 contributions
They are open 364 days a year but closed on Christmas Day.
Y0nghui
Johor Bahru, Malaysia88 contributions
Hi,
How to get to your place? Is there any local shuttle bus going there?
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi. Thanks for the question. Unfortunately the Hot Bus is no longer however there is Great lake Shuttles that provide transport at an additional cost. The NZ phone number For Great Lake Shuttles is 021 656 424. I hope this helps.
Aran B
Shailer Park, Australia
Hi, how do I book, I can't find the link?
Looking for a tour/ride on either the 25 or 26th of March.
Help!
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi, Thanks for the question. The other answers are absolutely correct. You can book through our website or in town at the Isite. If you have any issues or questions you can always call 0800 727 737 and we can book you in a time that suits you.
Regards
Debbie
Rapids Jet
kiwigreenman
Christchurch, New Zealand161 contributions
Just checking L'Arte are closed Mondays and Tuesdays (hoping their website is out of date?) - disappointingly those are the 2days we have in the Taupo area
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hello.
I have just rang Café L'arte and they are indeed closed on Monday and Tuesdays I'm sorry. We however are not so your more than welcome to come for some thrills instead?!
Regards
Debbie
Rapids Jet
Didier2570
Bourail, New Caledonia
Est ce qu'il le font vers la période d'hiver, comme j'envisage de partir fin juillet et début Aout
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi yes we do operate in winter. We do operate on demand so you do need to book in advance!
Didier2570
Bourail, New Caledonia
combien est le prix pour 2 personnes adultes ?
Rapids Jet T
Taupo, New Zealand2 contributions
Bonjour! the price is NZD $105 per adult and $60 per child. Thank you.