KJet vs Shotover Jet
Two Queenstown operators compared (Jet boating). KJet starts at NZ$159 and Shotover Jet at NZ$199. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.
KJet
- Founded 1958; calls itself the world's first commercial jet boat company
- Covers Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau and Shotover rivers (45 km)
- Departs central Queenstown hourly on the hour
- Top speed up to 95 km/h
- Photos and videos sold separately after the ride
- Not permitted during pregnancy; wheelchair accessible with caregiver help
KJet 60-Minute Jet Boat Ride
- From
- NZ$159 per adult
- Length
- 60 minutes from Main Town Pier; about 40 minutes from Frankton marina
- Min age
- No minimum age or child height restriction; children must be with an adult
- Weight
- No weight restriction; must fit a life jacket (up to 4XL)
- Cancellation
- Cancellations, changes or no-shows within 24 hours non-refundable; weather cancellations by KJet offer rebook or full refund.
Shotover Jet
- Operating on the Shotover River since 1965
- Says it is the only operator permitted in the Shotover River Canyons
- Boats reach up to 90 km/h
- Departures every 30 min, first 9.30am, last 4pm, 7 days
- Not permitted during pregnancy
- Photo/video captured when possible; price not listed
Shotover Jet (Individual Pass)
- From
- NZ$199 per adult
- Length
- 25 min trip; allow about 1 hour self-drive or 1 hour 45 min with shuttle
- Min age
- No minimum age; minimum height 1.0 m (may rise to 1.2 m in some conditions); under 5s ride free on infant ticket with paying adult
- Weight
- No weight limit; must fit a life jacket and board unassisted
- Cancellation
- Cancellations within 24 hours non-refundable; weather or river cancellations get full refund or free reschedule.
Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-22. See every operator in Jet boating.