Shotover Jet Boat - Queenstown - TravBuddy

Well it was our last day in Queenstown and having stood and watched the jet boats perform, the decision was made to go for a ride. More than anything else, I wanted to check out the scenery. I am not an adrenilan junky and didn't know how I would cope the spins and the close shaves. The driver pre warns you when he is about to do a 360. It is time to hold on. That made me feel better. It was still a bit scary getting so close to the rocks.
Of course there is also the information given on the boats and the river which is interesting.
Of course you are supplied with a waterproof coat and saftey jacket. Still wouldn't want to fall out. :-)
If a scaredy cat like me would do it again, it's good.
If you don't have your own transport, the company has regular buses leaving Queenstown for the short drive to the Shotover.

It's billed as the world's most exciting Jet Boat Ride -- and I believe it. The Shotover River is a short ten minute drive from Queenstown and the setting is in a dramatic rocky canyon with a ribbon of tourquoise blue water that in and of itself is breathtaking.

The jet boats used on the Shotover ride are designed specifically for this venue. Each boat carries up to 14 passengers. They are powered by twin engines powered by V6 Buick engines each thrusting over 800 liters of water per second. They can operate in water as low as 10cm in depth, so you can get very close to the edge of the river banks and skim across rocks that would cripple traditional propeller driven boats!

The drivers of these boats undergo rigorous training -- and must be required to go to comedy school as well, as they all seem to have the comedy schtick down pat. The ride is amazing -- it includes many 360 degree spins, water spraying every where as you careen up and down the Shotover Canyon. You come so close to rocks, canyon walls, trees and other boats that you forget to breathe!

This ride is a definite must in Queenstown -- and I rate it a higher than it's sister ride on the North Island, the Huka Jet near Taupo. Although both are thrilling -- the Shotover has the canyon walls and "close calls" they provide to make the experience that much more thrilling.