Booking choice: The Shotover Jet canyon ride, from $118 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
KJet's listing mentions the Shotover River, which is fair: it does run the lower Shotover. But several riders say in their reviews that they expected the canyon ride and did not get it. Only Shotover Jet holds the concession for the Shotover canyons.
Below: where each ride goes, how long it lasts, what it costs, and who each one suits.
The quick answer
Choose Shotover Jet for the canyons: 25 minutes within metres of schist walls at up to 90 km/h, from Arthurs Point. Choose KJet for a longer, gentler hour and 45 km across Lake Wakatipu, down the Kawarau and onto the lower Shotover, leaving from the town pier and taking children from age 2.
How do Shotover Jet and KJet compare?
Shotover Jet is shorter and more intense; KJet is longer, covers more water and starts in town.
| Shotover Jet | KJet | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | The narrow Shotover River canyons | Lake Wakatipu, Kawarau River, lower Shotover |
| Departs from | Arthurs Point (shuttle option from town) | Main Town Pier, central Queenstown |
| Ride length | About 25 minutes | About 1 hour, 45 km |
| Top speed | Up to 90 km/h | Up to 95 km/h |
| Youngest riders | No minimum age, 1 metre tall | Age 2 and over |
| From (adult) | $118 | $86 |
| Rating | 4.8 (2,869) | 4.7 (623) |
Came for the canyon walls? Check times for the Shotover Jet.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideDoes KJet go through the Shotover canyons?
No. KJet runs the lower Shotover River, where it is wide and braided, but the canyons at Arthurs Point are Shotover Jet's alone.
Shotover Jet has held the exclusive concession for the canyons since 1987. KJet is a good ride in its own right, with lake views of the Remarkables and plenty of spins; it is just a different experience.
Which is more thrilling?
Shotover Jet: the canyon walls pass within metres, which makes 90 km/h feel much faster.
KJet reaches similar speeds, but on open water. Riders describe it as exhilarating and fun for most ages, and a few say it felt more like a scenic ride with spins. If you want the famous heart-in-mouth moments, the canyon is the one.
Which gives you more time on the water?
KJet, by far: about an hour and 45 km, against about 25 minutes on the Shotover Jet.
Shotover Jet riders often say the ride felt like five minutes. If time on the water matters more than the canyon, KJet is better value per minute.
Want the full hour? KJet crosses the lake and runs two rivers from the town pier.
Explore the KJet lake and river rideWhich is easier to get to?
KJet leaves from the Main Town Pier in central Queenstown; Shotover Jet is 10 minutes away at Arthurs Point, with a shuttle option from town.
If you are staying in town without a car, KJet is a short walk. Shotover Jet's shuttle leaves The Station Building, with check-in 45 minutes before your boat, and brings you back about 15 minutes after the ride.
Which is better for families?
For young children, KJet: it takes riders from age 2 and is gentler; for kids over 1 metre who want thrills, Shotover Jet.
Both boats need an adult with children. See Shotover Jet with kids for height rules and tips.
Which should you book?
Book Shotover Jet if the canyons are the point; book KJet if you want a longer ride from town with lake views.
- First time in Queenstown, want the famous one: Shotover Jet.
- Want the most time on the water: KJet.
- Toddlers in the group: KJet.
- Short on time, staying in town: KJet or the 30-minute lake ride.
- Thrill seekers: Shotover Jet, then the Canyon Swing.
Decided on the canyons? Boats leave every 30 minutes.
Check dates for the Shotover Jet canyon rideFrequently asked questions
Is KJet the same as Shotover Jet?
No. They are different companies on different water. Shotover Jet runs the Shotover canyons from Arthurs Point; KJet runs the lake and the Kawarau and lower Shotover rivers from the town pier.
Can you do both on the same day?
Yes. The rides are short: a morning Shotover Jet and an afternoon KJet fit easily into one day.
Which is cheaper, Shotover Jet or KJet?
KJet, from $86 against $118 for the Shotover Jet on Viator.
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
