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Shotover Jet Boat and Arrow River 4WD

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    3 hours

  • Start time

    0830h (08:30am), 0930h (09:30am), 1330h (1:30pm), 1430h (2:30pm)
    Please select your preferred time slot when making your booking
    Duration: 3 hours

  • Meeting Point
    Your hotel in Queenstown
    (Please mention your hotel details at the time of booking. If you do not have this information now, please contact the local activity operator 24 hours prior to the start of the tour with these details.)
  • Ending Point

    Your hotel in Queenstown

Key Highlights

  • World-class thrill ride in Shotover Canyons
  • The only full 360° jet-boat spins in Queenstown
  • Discover true off- roading on pioneer trails
  • See spectacular ′Lord of the Rings′ movie locations
  • Chance your luck with gold-panning

Overview

People from all around the world visit Queenstown for two main reasons, scenery and adventure. Why stop at just one Queenstown adventure when you can combine two in one amazing half-day package?

The thrill begins when you take the world-famous Shotover Canyon jet-boat journey - it's a breathtaking white-water ride and an adrenaline rush you'll never forget!

From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your heart begins to pound as you shoot along the Shotover River and deep into the canyons. Rock faces blur in your vision and the water sprays into myriads of droplets with every turn as you travel at up to 85kph over crystal clear water as shallow as 10cm deep. Don’t forget to hold on tight for Queenstown's only full 360 degree turns!

Then board a state-of-the-art 4WD off-road vehicle for an exhilarating journey up the Arrow River to the place where the 1862 gold rush started.

Try your luck at gold panning and discover the colourful history of the early miners and settlers. Visit the magnificent 'Lord of the Rings' filming locations in Arrowtown and other interesting sites.

Itinerary

Your exciting Shotover Jet Boat & Arrow River 4WD combines two great adventures in one thrilling package. At the start of the tour you will be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown and driven to the start point of your jet boat ride. (Please select your preferred time slot when making your booking.)

After boarding the jet boat you will be taken on an amazing white-water ride (20-25 minutes) through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. As the Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your 'Big Red' Jet Boat through its paces, skilfully whipping it past rocky outcrops, skimming around crags and boulders, and speeding through the dramatic and narrow gorges.

Make sure you're holding on tight when your driver makes the signal that you are about experience the thrills of Queenstown's only exhilarating full 360° spins. Grip the hand rail for reassurance as your 'Big Red' Jet Boat spins fully around within its own boat length and without losing momentum keeps speeding along the river.

Then board a rugged 4WD off-road vehicle and travel into Gold Rush country for the second part of your action-packed tour. The adventure takes you to the Skippers Saddle and along the Arrow River, both of which are historic gold miners’ routes. The Arrow River route fords the water course repeatedly giving an exciting off-road section. Explore the abandoned gold mining area and see the beautiful film locations used in 'Lord of the Rings' movies.

During the tour you’ll have the chance to try your luck at gold panning. This can take 10 minutes, or longer if the group are keen and the weather is warm. Depending on the time of the tour you will be provided with morning or afternoon tea.

At the end of your exhilarating experience, you will be dropped back at your accommodation in Queenstown.

Inclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle (size of vehicle depends on number of passengers)
  • English-speaking guides
  • 20-25 minute Shotover Canyon jet experience
  • Arrow River & Skippers Saddle Off-road 4WD Tour
  • Gold panning experience
  • Refreshments (morning or afternoon tea depending on the time of your tour)

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.

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