• Rapids - Rapids Jet

    The
    Rapids

Spectacular rapids.
Stunning scenery.

We are the only commercial jet boat operator on the Nga Awa Purua Rapids, a little further along from the Aratiatia Rapids, and we are so proud to be here! This stretch of the Waikato River is our home, and our playground.

 

Interesting Facts…

A few kilometres downstream of Huka Falls, the Waikato River naturally falls 28 metres in the space of just one kilometre. The water then flows faster and in a narrower channel, forming the beautiful Aratiatia Rapids. In 1964, that impressive flow was harnessed by the Aratiatia Power Station by way of a dam (and it can actually generate enough power for 90,000 homes!).

That dam is the famous Aratiatia Dam, and it releases the water four times a day during the summer, three times a day during the winter, restoring the Aratiatia Rapids to their natural glory.

On a Rapids Jet boat ride, you can expect to be taken safely right up to the wall of the Dam and to the left of it you’ll see the base of the Aratiatia Rapids, spilling out into the part of the river where we get to play! The world-famous Nga Awa Purua Rapids are further downstream and we have exclusive access to jet boat riding every drop. This is where the action happens!

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Watch the Aratiatia Dam open!

Watching the Aratiatia Dam open up is a sight to behold. Perfectly clear, calm turquoise water turns into a tumbling mess of white when around 80,000 litres of water are released!

We encourage you to head out this way early, so you can watch the Dam opening at one of the viewing points before your ride. The closest and easiest place to watch it from is the bridge, about a 5 minute drive from Rapids Jet. Park up in the Aratiatia Dam carpark and then pop onto the bridge to watch the magic happen! If you’re feeling up to it, there’s also a roughly 600m track that takes you to a dedicated lookout over the Aratiatia Rapids.

Aratiatia Dam Opening Times:

  • Summer (October to March): 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
  • Winter (April to September): 10am, 12pm, 2pm

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  • Rapids Jet in Taupō gets a perfect 10 out of 10 from me! The combination of stunning scenery and great banter from the team made it an unforgettable experience.

    Rona Latisha - NZ, 2024

  • Jacob was amazing! A very talented driver and had a great sense of humour! It was an overall thrilling ride with some splashes to keep hydrated. Jacob was informative and provided many facts along the River; in addition to 360 spins. Lastly, the photos provided at the end were super high quality! Happy to support this business 😊

    Camila Bulkowski - United States

  • Had the best time with Shannon at the controls of the jet boat experience! Great fun great organisation and brilliant experience! Great value for money. Very safe and exhilarating at the same time. The Waikato River is stunning! A fantastic time from start to finish! Thanks, Rapids Jet! Had a ball!

    Pat & Alan - NZ, 2024

  • awesome experience, Jacob our jet boat driver was amazing and knew his stuff. I would recommend it 100% to anyone visiting Taupo😄

    Catherine Marshall - NZ, 2024

Keep your eyes peeled! 👀 You never know what wildlife you might spot on our jet boating adventures. #RapidsJet #Taupo #NewZealand #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #Adrenaline #JetBoating #Aratiatia
Hold on tight! 🚤💨 Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the stunning waterways. Our expert guides will ensure you have a safe and exhilarating experience. #RapidsJet #Taupo #NewZealand #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #Adrenaline #JetBoating #Aratiatia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Epic ride on the Waikato River with Captain Jacob…..who is the coolest catfish to ever skim the river’s surface at 90 kmp……we laughed….we screamed…..we cheered…..we posed for photos…..and we walked away grinning, drenched and heads full of knowledge about jet boats, movies and the Waikato River…….totally rate this experience……especially with Captain Jacob’ - Rebecca Rawnsley #RapidsJet #Taupo #NewZealand #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #Adrenaline #JetBoating #Aratiatia
Sun’s out, boats out 🚤🌞 When are you planning your next ride with us?
Who’s ready to catch some serious air? 🚤💦 #RapidsJet #JetBoating #Taupo #LoveTaupo #NZtravel
I spy with my little eye... something yellow zipping down the Waikato River! 🚤 Who else is ready for a thrilling ride? Let us know in the comments 👇 #NZtravel #RapidsJet #LoveTaupo #JetBoating #Taupo
Our crew are all about making sure you have a great experience from start to finish – and making every spin and splash a memorable one! 💦 Join us on a thrilling adventure through the Waikato River, guided by our passionate and experienced drivers who love sharing the beauty of our waterways 🙌 #JetBoating #NZtravel #RapidsJet #LoveTaupo #meettheteam
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Five stars from Jess C. “Amazing and worth every cent! I booked last minute and was so glad. Simon the driver was awesome.... riding the rapids was way more fun than I realised. The boat was smooth, and the 360 spins were awesome!”. #RapidsJet #NZtravel #LoveTaupo #Taupo #JetBoating
Labour Day long weekend is just around the corner 🎉 Are you planning on joining us? We'll be open every day throughout the long weekend – ready to deliver your adrenaline fix! Whether you're visiting for a thrilling jet boat ride or for the breathtaking views, we have you covered. Make the most of your time off and come experience the excitement 🚤💨 #Taupo #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #RapidsJet #Labourweekend
Blue skies and adrenaline highs! 🌊💙 #RapidsJet #Taupo #NewZealand #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #Adrenaline #JetBoating
Experience the thrill of our Exclusive Aratiatia Ride! Watch as 80,000 liters of crystal-clear water rushes down from the Aratiatia Rapids, creating a stunning cascade 🌊✨ #rapidsjet #taupo #adrenaline #aratiatiarapids
The calm before the storm - or at least, the rapids 😎 #RapidsJet #Taupo #NewZealand #LoveTaupo #NZtravel #Adrenaline #JetBoating
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