Booking choice: The Shotover Jet canyon ride, from $118 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The Shotover Jet keeps its pricing simple: there is one ride, sold as an adult or child ticket, with a family pass for two adults and two children and an optional shuttle from central Queenstown. What changes is where you buy it and in which currency.
Prices below come from the operator's own price page and the live Viator listing in 2026. They move with exchange rates, so the checkout price is the one that counts.
The quick answer
On Viator the Shotover Jet is from $118 per adult, which matches the operator's own NZ$199 adult fare at current exchange rates. Children 15 and under pay NZ$109 direct, under-5s ride free with a paying adult, and a direct family pass for two adults and two children is NZ$507. Viator adds free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How much is the Shotover Jet in 2026?
The adult fare is NZ$199 direct, or from $118 on Viator; children 15 and under pay NZ$109, and under-5s ride free.
The operator publishes these prices as valid for travel up to 30 September 2027. Adult fares apply from age 16.
| Ticket | Price | Who it is for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | From $118 (NZ$199) | Riders 16 and over | Viator or direct |
| Child | NZ$109 | Ages 5 to 15, with an adult | Viator or direct |
| Under 5 | Free | With a paying adult, if 1 metre tall | At check-in |
| Family pass | NZ$507 | 2 adults and 2 children | Direct |
Have a date in mind? The Viator ticket cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideIs it cheaper on Viator or direct?
For adults, neither: Viator's from-price of $118 is the operator's NZ$199 fare converted to US dollars.
The differences are in the fine print. Viator shows the price in US dollars, keeps your bookings in one app and lets you cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before. The operator's family pass is only sold direct, so a family of four with two children under 16 may save by booking it there.
Is the shuttle from Queenstown included?
It is an option: pick the version with return transport when you book, and check in at The Station Building 45 minutes before your boat.
Without it, you drive yourself to the river base at 3 Arthurs Point Road, about 10 minutes from town, where parking is free. The shuttle adds roughly 45 minutes to the outing, so allow about 1 hour 45 minutes in total.
Do children pay less?
Yes. Children 5 to 15 pay the child fare, about half the adult price, and under-5s ride free with a paying adult.
There is no minimum age, but every rider must be at least 1 metre tall, rising to 1.2 metres when the river is high. See Shotover Jet with kids for the rules.
What does the ticket include?
About 25 minutes on the water, a life jacket, a safety briefing and, on cold days, a neck warmer.
Lockers, toilets and parking at the river base are free. The operator's photo and video packages are temporarily unavailable while it upgrades its system, so bring a head-strap action camera if you want footage.
Want the canyon run itself? Twenty-five minutes, 90 km/h and full spins, with a shuttle option.
Explore the Shotover Jet canyon rideWhat is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before for a full refund; inside 24 hours there is no refund.
That applies on Viator and direct. Riders who cancelled a few minutes too late report they did not get their money back, so set a reminder. If the operator cancels for weather or a high river, you are offered another time or a refund.
How far ahead should you book?
A few days ahead in summer (December to February) and school holidays; often the same week at other times.
Boats leave every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, so there is plenty of capacity outside the peak. Because you can cancel free up to 24 hours before, booking early costs you nothing.
Ready to pick a time? Boats leave every 30 minutes, seven days a week.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideIs the price good value?
For a 25-minute ride it is not cheap, but it is the only way into the Shotover canyons, and riders rate it 4.8 from 2,869 reviews.
If you want more time on the water for less, KJet is from $86 for an hour and the 30-minute lake ride from $63, but neither enters the canyons. Compare them in Shotover Jet vs KJet.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shotover Jet family pass worth it?
If you are two adults and two children aged 5 to 15, yes: NZ$507 against NZ$616 for four separate tickets. It is only sold direct.
Do under-5s pay on the Shotover Jet?
No. Children under 5 ride free with a paying adult, as long as they are at least 1 metre tall.
Does the Shotover Jet price include photos?
No. Photo and video packages are sold separately and are temporarily unavailable while the operator upgrades its system.
Can I pay in US dollars?
Yes, on Viator. The operator's own prices are in New Zealand dollars.
Ready to book
Choose your ride
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Shotover Jet: Canyon Jet Boat Ride
- 25-minute jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyons
- Life jacket, safety briefing and a neck warmer on cold days
- Optional return shuttle from The Station Building in central Queenstown
KJet: Lake Wakatipu & Kawarau River
- 60-minute, 45 km jet boat ride with 360 degree spins
- Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau River and the lower Shotover River
- Departs the Main Town Pier in central Queenstown
30-Minute Lake & Kawarau Jet Boat
The cheapest jet boat ride, straight from the waterfront
