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All 43 Taupo Attractions »

Rapids Jet

Nga Awa Purua Rd (Off Rapids Rd) | Aratiatia, Taupo 3378, New Zealand
0800 727 437
Ranked #1 of 20 tours in Taupo
5.0 of 5 stars 68 Reviews
Type: Boat Tours
Owner description: The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand’s...... more » Owner description: The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand’s best white water Jet Boat Ride, Rapids Jet.Conveniently located just 15 minutes drive north of Taupo and 50 minutes south of Rotorua, Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand.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 AwaPurua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy and Gazza.Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-89 years have safely experienced the thrill of real white water jet boating with Rapids Jet.We have thousands of hours experience driving jet boats both in New Zealand and overseas, so you can be sure you are in safe hands with Rapids Jet. Let us share our love of jet boating with you, book a ride on Rapids Jet today. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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68 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    60
    7
    0
    1
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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Had a great time on this, was a bit cold when you get a bit of spray in the colder months, but the heated handle bars and seats make up for that. They take good photos and the ride is great. More

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Reading, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012

This jet boat was by far the best I have been on,My son and I had the best trip, also a bonus learning about the area from the well informed bosun. The staff were excellent in advising on elf and safety, a good thing. What a wonderful job to have, making people smile all day. Special thanks to Sam who... More

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Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

We chose Rapids Jet after checking out TripAdvisor. Staff were outstanding and the boat ride was great and so much fun. Traveling in shoulder periods has its benefits because we just rolled up and got on a trip without booking. More

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Adelaide, Australia
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2012

Thought jet boating might be a disappointment, but the Rapids Jet trip was a laugh.Lucky to be able to just hop on the next ride and a charming and capable driver whizzed us up and down the rapids. More

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See 4 more reviews by petmar035 for Taupo
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012

What an experience, not only great information but went through rapids that made the boat almost stand up straight. Thrilling ride , great value for the money. Go here you will not be dissapointed More

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Taupo
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

We all just loved the thrill of the Rapids Jet!!! The staff are all so informative and made us all feel very safe and in good hands. We loved the fact that it wasn't just a thrilling ride in a jet boat through rapids but we learnt a few things about the area that we didn't know before. The heated... More

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Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 12, 2012

Rapids jet was recommended by our hotel as the best value jet boat in Taupo, and it's hard to argue! They have a great location not far from town, and it's a thrilling ride on the rapids!. Just make sure to bring a change of clothes - you will get DRENCHED :) More

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See 2 more reviews by Omgkat for Taupo
Naracoorte
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

The girls in the reception were so helpful when we arrived and got us checked in for the very next departure. We met with Gazza who was our guide and did an excellent job of powering the jet boat up and down the rapids and giving us the ride of our lives. The spins were fantastic and we loved every... More

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Greenmount
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

I went with my girlfriend a couple of weeks ago, wanting some excitement for the trip. Boy did we get it! Those Hamilton spins were intense and great fun! The company are awesome, the driver was wonderful! (even if he did have it out for this particular aussie). :P I got drenched! Would hightly reccomend that if anyone is passing... More

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Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 11, 2012

A great trip. We departed company from our NZ branch of our family this day in Taupo to continue our tour of NZ then home to the UK. We booked this to cheer ourselves up. It worked. Lots of spins, fast boats then the rapids. Awesome. And soaking wet! Great fun. Some fantastic photography, a much higher standard on many... More

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