On the Water
35 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$88
per adult
Rapids Jet
Rapids Jet
5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
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 jet boating 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 Awa Purua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve and learn about the wildlife and history of the area. Our 35 minute blast guarantees an adrenaline rush! Since 1993, over 140,000 passengers aged 5-93 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.
Taupo, New Zealand
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,990 reviews
Excellent
1,857
Very good
110
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
6
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Keith_Lynn01
Ashford, UK341 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What an awesome experience shooting up and down Kaituna River at high speed (82K - 42NM Ish). Drifting, spinning, bounding off the water, zigzagging around the trees and rocks.... Dave our driver was witty, knowledgeable of the river, area etc etc and made the whole experience exciting.
Awesome fun and a worthwhile experience to have.
Awesome fun and a worthwhile experience to have.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Keith, We're glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with Dave the other day. We hope to see you again!
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham H
Berkeley, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020
Dave the driver was welcoming, amusing, informative and reassuring if you needed it. The ride was brilliant - the river is very scenic & an amazing colour. Highly recommended - the photos they take are pretty good too & not unreasonably priced
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Graham, we're happy to hear you enjoyed the trip with us yesterday. Hopefully we can see you again the the near future.
Written March 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jayne R
29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
An amazing experience. Highly recommend this company. It was great fun. Loved it. The driver slowed down a few times and gave us snippets of information and we were able to ask questions. We booked the 10.30am slot and had time to watch 5 mins of the dam release of water at 10am 2k away.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jayne!
Thank you for taking the time to review us at Rapids Jet!
We are so glad to hear you loved the experience we have to offer. The team at Rapids Jet love being able to share the interesting facts about the area and its history, and seeing reviews like yours are part of the reason why! Thanks again.
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jontelle H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
My friend and I had the most incredible experience doing the Rapid Jets today! We had Shannon as our driver/tour guide who was very knowledgeable about the area, very funny & friendly and most importantly sped us around the river like a beast (in the most epic way possible)! All the staff are wonderful! We had a blast! 100% recommend anyone thinking about doing it, book your tickets now!
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamKingi
Auckland Central, New Zealand7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Great Fun! If you get motion sick, definitely recommend having motion sickness pills prior as there are many spins on this. On Sunny days, don’t bother with jumpers/ coats- it will be far too hot!
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarona Rameka
Taupo, New Zealand172 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
We had a large group of 13 and split into two boats. Both drivers were incredible and everyone had such a great time. We had a mix of ages, the oldest in her 70's and the youngest was 6. Simon was so great, very informative, safe, yet fast and thrilling. He always made sure everyone was ok. Photos were very high-res!
Written January 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire B
Noumea, New Caledonia2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It was a super mega fun experience, thanks again to Jacob the jetboater who introduced us to incredible sensations of speed! Unforgettable memories! And thanks again to Jacob for transporting us to Rapidsjet, otherwise we would have totally missed this experience. You New Zealanders are so kind and welcoming, thank you 😊🙏
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon P
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Really fun and lots of cool facts aswell. Jacob was a great driver and host and made sure to keep checking on my 8 year old brother throughout!
Loads of fun, really recommend!
Loads of fun, really recommend!
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn Collins
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
The adrenaline. Everyone was so nice. Explained I was deaf went out of their way to make sure k new what was going on. Esp safety procedures. The driver of boat was hilarious and i totally loved it.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
이재문
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
it was really great time .it was really worth it. thanks for the good ride. driver was so fun too. im thinking of riding again while im in taupo.왜왜 최소50자라고하는거야...한국분들꼭타세요 너무재미있었어요.돈값합니다돈하나도안아까웠음 한번더탈까생각중입니다
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There, Sorry for such a delay in getting back to you! The photos need to be purchased from the Rapids Jet base after your trip. We do keep them on record for a while so give us a call on 0800 727437 and we may be able to help you out!
Written June 9, 2017
Hello there. Yes, our minimum age is 5 years old and one meter tall. Please call us on 0800 727 437 and we can book you in at a date and time that suits you.
Written March 14, 2017
They are open 364 days a year but closed on Christmas Day.
Written July 22, 2016
Hi,
How to get to your place? Is there any local shuttle bus going there?
Written July 13, 2015
Hi. Thanks for the question. Unfortunately the Hot Bus is no longer however there is Great lake Shuttles that provide transport at an additional cost. The NZ phone number For Great Lake Shuttles is 021 656 424. I hope this helps.
Written August 2, 2015
Aran B
Shailer Park, Australia
Hi, how do I book, I can't find the link?
Looking for a tour/ride on either the 25 or 26th of March.
Help!
Written March 7, 2015
Hi, Thanks for the question. The other answers are absolutely correct. You can book through our website or in town at the Isite. If you have any issues or questions you can always call 0800 727 737 and we can book you in a time that suits you.
Regards
Debbie
Rapids Jet
Written March 10, 2015
Just checking L'Arte are closed Mondays and Tuesdays (hoping their website is out of date?) - disappointingly those are the 2days we have in the Taupo area
Written February 13, 2015
Hello.
I have just rang Café L'arte and they are indeed closed on Monday and Tuesdays I'm sorry. We however are not so your more than welcome to come for some thrills instead?!
Regards
Debbie
Rapids Jet
Written February 13, 2015
Didier2570
Bourail, New Caledonia
Est ce qu'il le font vers la période d'hiver, comme j'envisage de partir fin juillet et début Aout
Written February 2, 2015
Hi yes we do operate in winter. We do operate on demand so you do need to book in advance!
Written February 2, 2015
Didier2570
Bourail, New Caledonia
combien est le prix pour 2 personnes adultes ?
Written January 8, 2015
Bonjour! the price is NZD $105 per adult and $60 per child. Thank you.
Written January 13, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.