• Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

    About
    Us

Our Story

Rapids Jet has been operating for nearly thirty years! In 1996, a gap in the jet boating space presented itself: to offer a unique experience of family-focused fun on the water. Nearly three decades later and we take pride in creating unforgettable jet boat memories for all ages on this stunning stretch of the Waikato River!

Meet the Team

JAMES General Manager

One of the original founders of Rapids Jet! James “Jimmy” Tazewell has been a commercial jet boat driver since 1997. He loves seeing families out on the water and is a Dad himself.

Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

AMANDAFront Desk & Marketing

Amanda has been with Rapid Jet since 2020! She’s the friendly face before and after your ride. Psst…keep your eyes peeled for Amanda with camera in-hand on the shoreline!

SHANNONJet Boat Driver

Obsessed with driving anything with an engine, Shannon has been with Rapids Jet since 2016! But don’t be surprised to find Shannon out white-water rafting from time to time as well!

GABEJet Boat Driver

Gabe is a skilled jet boat driver for Rapids Jet.  Gabe has a passion for the outdoors and a strong sense of Manaaki, he loves giving people a taste of something new and different in Taupō!

Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

MAXBoss Dog

Max has been running the show for years! He loves all the friendly people who come for a ride, and the ample amount of rocks and sticks the Waikato River edge has to offer.

Our Jet Boats

Our boats are custom-built for Rapids Jet right here in New Zealand, the home of the jet boat!

QUICK FACTS!

  • They’re built by KwikKraft Marine, a company based in Christchurch who have over 30 years’ experience. They really know what they’re doing!
  • They’re specially designed and built for us to safely navigate through the fast-flowing, ever-changing waters of the Waikato River.
  • Being highly manoeuvrable means we can also steer you through narrow canyons, round rocks in the river and thrill you by performing incredible spins!
  • Made out of heavy gauge marine aluminium with a deep ‘V’-shaped design, making them extremely strong and your ride wonderfully smooth.
  • Our jet boats are fitted with a 500-horsepower, 496 Chevy V8 engine and connected to a Hamilton 212 jet unit – impressively powerful and exceptionally fast!
  • Super important: They comply with all the relevant safety standards and are completely safe and suitable for our white-water adventures. We wouldn’t take you out on them if they weren’t.
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  • A must do when in Taupō, was a fantastic ride and the staff are wonderful. Will be looking forward to doing this again!

    Janet & Greg - Auckland, 2021

  • Wow, an epic day full of action and incredible jetboating. Loved it! You guys rock.

    Mike McVey - Gisborne NZ

Laugh, scream, and feel alive as we blast through the mighty Waikato River. Get ready for non-stop fun! 💦💥 #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
“The 1st rapids are exhilarating, the 3rd set were monstrous, what an adrenalin rush. 5 stars out of 5 🌟🤩⭐️🌠🖖” Thanks for this incredible Google Review, Jay! #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ #googlereview
Nau mai haere mai i te ngā wai rere o te awa. We welcome you to come experience the rushing waters of the river. Happy Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori! (Māori Language Week). How will you celebrate? #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ #maorilanguageweek #tewikiotereomaori
Rapids Jet: Defying gravity since ’93 🚤 📷: @Steve Penny #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Huka Falls area on two wheels. Crisp air, stunning scenery, and plenty of photo ops await – there’s a ride for everyone, no matter your skill level or cycle experience 🚴‍♀‍ Journey along the 14km-return Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Trail and you’ll be rewarded with river views, lush native bush and hidden geothermal wonders. Time to strap on your helmet and start pedalling! #rapidsjet #taupo #nzmustdo #jetboat #holiday #getaway
Life is like a river – it's full of twists, turns, and unexpected rapids. Embrace the unknown and ride the waves to exciting new horizons! 🌊 #rapidsjet #nzmustdo #nature #travelgram #taupo #northisland
Caption this! 💦 #jetboat #taupo #nzmustdo #funtimes #adrenalinerush #thrills #purenewzealand
From the heart-racing to the awe-inspiring – our combo with @tepaturotorua is sure to ignite all your senses 🤩 Prepare to be amazed by the power of the Waikato River’s rapids, and captivated by traditional Māori performance and cuisine. Their current Tū Te Ihi winter celebration pays tribute to the time of year when the Matariki cluster of stars sit high and bright in our winter skies, as we reflect on the legacy of our ancestors and acknowledge the year that has been. Book via the link in our bio! ✨ #RapidsJet #Taupo #TePaTu #Rotorua #MaoriCulture #nzmustdo
Looking for a thrill that will leave you breathless? Look no further! Our jetboats are fueled by adrenaline and designed for speed 🚤😍 www.rapidsjet.com
Travelling around Aotearoa to catch all the football action? ⚽🏆 Just two hours from Waikato Stadium, and right by Taupo and Rotorua, our fast-paced jetboat ride is the perfect way to keep up the thrills between games! #nzmustdo #travelgram #mustdonewzealand #rapidsjet #jetboat
The gates of Taupō's Aratiatia Dam are released several times per day, turning a calm and peaceful trickle into the roaring, thunderous Aratiatia Rapids! View this spectacular sight from a series of lookouts, then come play in the rapids with us aboard our bright-yellow jetboats 🚤🌊 #AratiatiaDam #rapidsjet #nzmustdo #ifyouseeknz #spectacle #instatravel
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