Waikato River Jet Boat Ride: Adrenaline-Fuelled Adventure on Crystal Clear Waters
4.9
1,402 Ratings
Rotokawa

Experience an adrenaline-fueled adventure on the Waikato River with a thrilling jet boat ride. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters, and surf rapids. Book your tour now!

Duration: 35 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 3 Nga Awa Purua Road - 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!
What's Included
  • Parking and Bathroom Facilities Available
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Fitted Life Jackets provided
  • Experienced Professional Guide
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (for purchase for NZ$45)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Experience a thrilling 35-minute Jet Boat excursion on the Waikato River. This high-paced journey promises to elevate your adrenaline levels. Zoom through the canyon, perform spins on the pristine waters, and ride the frothy wake of the incredible Nga Awapurua Rapids. Multiple tour schedules are available throughout the day and each boat can accommodate…

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Location
3 Nga Awa Purua Road
Nga Awa Purua Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1402 Ratings)
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211arelysr
Aug 2, 2025
Tope one activity by the river. - Amazing experience. A part of the ride you will het information about the river, what movies have been filmed in and technical information about the boat (as far as you're interested) we loved our guides, they were very friendly and supportive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katels4256mu
Jul 17, 2025
Rapids Jet boat rapids ride was excellent - Rapids Jet is an excellent experience. Not crowded, and away from all the touristy tourists. Shannon (our boat driver) was informative, funny and engaging. He made the experience a fun one. We were recommended Rapids Jet by a local in the ski shop at Ohakune so it’s worth asking the locals! They take photos and a short video which you can buy. If you can, watch the opening of the dam on the way to the Rapids Jet, they open the dam gates at 12 noon and the jet boat ride was at 12.30 so it fitted in perfectly (before and after photos).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
So090909
Jul 16, 2025
Jet Boat Trip - Had a great trip on the jet boat…really fun thing to do on the river and the team are great. Jacob the driver was class and gave us a few laughs along the way. 10/10 experience for a thrill ride.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H3474bojessk
Jul 14, 2025
Epic Fun. Epic staff! - Was an awesome experience, one I would recommend easily to literally anyone. It was a fun and entertaining ride around the rapids. Jacob was a legend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angusg114
Jul 12, 2025
Rapids Jet Saves the Day - Due to a flight cancellation we found ourselves driving from Rotorua to Wellington rather than flying. My daughter had always wanted to do the Jet Boat experience and when we saw the sign for Rapids Jet, we thought, why not. Amanda was very helpful and Shanon did a great job driving the boat, being a tour guide and providing a few laughs. On a day that could’ve been disappointing, Rapids Jet made it a day to remember, thanks guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay02904849959
Jul 11, 2025
Awesome trip - Awesome experience. Such friendly staff and a very fast boat!! Great going down some rapids! Easy parking, easy walk to river and great equipment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christianlf1030wy
Jul 4, 2025
Great family fun - Really fun experience. Jacob. Our driver was very knowledgeable, funny and great at his job. I would highly recommend Rapids Jet for an exhilarating experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenbw7175ao
Jul 4, 2025
Bonding experience with teenager! - The ride was amazing even for a grandmother and teenage granddaughter both had a great time. The video they take and photos meant you could concentrate on the spectacular water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer41110267226
Jun 30, 2025
The most thrilling Jet Boat ride in Taupo! - Amazing experience and the most thrilling jet boat ride I've been on. Our driver Jacob was fantastic, and we loved every minute of it. Thank you for the best experience of our stay in Taupo. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I758jbshirleym
Jun 22, 2025
Great experience with 3 generations. - 100% recommend the river jet boat ride. Such a fabulous adventure, thrill and experience. Shannon our driver was brilliant. So much fun and gosh does he know the boat and river so well. Will be doing it again and highly recommend doing it. As 3 generations taking this trip it has given us another family memory to share
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $84
From $84
up to 11 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).