• Frequently
    asked Questions

All the things you need to know about Rapids Jet!

Read through our most frequently asked questions & answers below. Don’t see your question? Contact Us here or chat to us on Facebook!

What sizes are the life jackets?

We provide life jackets in a variety of sizes it is mandatory to use an approved life jacket, provided by Rapids Jet on the jet boat.  We cater for sizes from small children up to 2XL.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@rapidsjet.co.nz.

When can I come for a ride?!

Rapids Jet operate EVERY day of the year except Christmas Day!

Boat operating hours vary, between the hours of 9-4pm daily.

Our office hours are 9-5pm, so feel free to call with questions during this period.

Who can ride?
  • Anyone aged 5 years and up can come for a ride with Rapids Jet! As a rule, children need to be 1 metre tall to ride in our jet boats.
  • The oldest person we have taken was 93 years old! Can you top that?!
  • The ride is an experience for people of all fitness levels.
  • Accessibility: To get onto the boat, you are required to head down 25 steps to our jetty. While this means the jetty is non-accessible to wheelchairs, please reach out to chat about how we can help get you to the boat, and if it’s the right ride for you! Call us on 0800 727 437 or reach us by Contact Form.
How long is the trip?

You will be on the water for 35 minutes.

How do we get there?

Our address is. 3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Rotokawa, 3378

For directions from your location, check us out on Google Maps!

When should we get there?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your trip departs.

If you’re running late or can’t make your trip after all, please ring us ASAP:  0800 RAPIDS or 0800 727 437 or 0064 7 374 8066

What do I wear?
  • Footwear: This is a requirement on the boat. Sandals,  jandals, flip flops, thongs, sneakers, trainers – it all counts.
  • Summer Clothing:Comfy clothing like shorts and a T’shirt, and a jacket or jumper if it’s a cooler day.
  • Winter Clothing: Bring warm, cosy clothing. A good jacket, woolly hats and gloves are great, and anything water proof is a bonus. Our boat handrails are heated, warming up as you ride!
  • TOP TIP: Bring a change of clothes just in case you get wet!  For long hair – bring a hair tie!
Does Rapids Jet take photos? If so, how do I BUY MY PHOTOS?

Rapids Jet takes 20-30 high-quality photos, along with one short action clip as you jump the Nga Awa Purua Rapids! You can view the pictures when you return to base, and they are available for purchase there. OR right here on our website after your trip!

Upon payment for your photos the images are emailed to you so you can instantly share with friends and family! (Bragging is encouraged!)

Can I take my camera on board?

Yes, you are welcome to bring one of the following on board:

  • Your handsfree camera. We find Head-Mounts work the best for filming.
  • Your mobile phone with camera. However, for safety reasons this can only be used when the boat has come to a stop. Your driver will tell you when the perfect selfie opportunity is coming up!
How fast will we go?

Our custom-built jet boats will be doing around 70 – 80 kms an hour on our trip, maxing out at about 90km an hour. Trust us – that’s quick enough! Learn more about our epic boats on our About Us page!

How many people in one boat?

11 Adults, or up to 14 Children, and we have 3 boats in total.

Each boat has three rows of padded seating, and each seat provides awesome views during your trip!

Can I bring a GROUP?

Absolutely! We’re a great choice for corporate, school and family/friend groups! Read a bit more about Groups at Rapids Jet here, or Contact Us today to talk about your unique needs!

I’m pregnant! Can I come for a ride?

We strongly encourage you to wait until baby’s here to come for a jet boat ride with us! Contact us to discuss it further if need be!

Can I drive the boat?!

Unfortunately not. Our drivers are professionally trained to the highest standards, and licensed, so you (and everyone else in the boat) can be sure that they’re in very safe and experienced hands. This section of the Waikato River needs a certain level of expertise!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be our next jet boat driver? Feel free to send your CV to us at info@rapidsjet.com.

What are the ‘Fulljames Rapids’?

The Nga Awa Purua Rapids that we ride on and the Fulljames Rapids are actually one and the same. The term ‘Fulljames Rapids’ is commonly known around the globe amongst kayaking thrill-seekers!

We belong to a number of associations. Check them out!
  • We’re a SILVER level Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity!
  • We’re a Member of the Commercial Jet Boat Association of NZ
  • We’re also a Member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand
  • 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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