• Jet boat ride - Rapids Jet

    The
    Ride

A 35-minute jet boat adventure!

364 days a year…your authentic New Zealand jetboating experience awaits.

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The Rapids Jet Experience

We start by getting you into a life jacket and into ‘the zone’ for epic jet boating: calm nerves and lots of excitement!

It’s then a few steps down and into our custom, Kiwi-built boats. Your skilled driver settles you in and gives a quick intro to the beautiful part of the Waikato River that you’re floating on. Then – hold on tight! – you’ll take off for every twist and turn imaginable!

You’ll experience the thrill of ‘surfing’ on the pressure waves of the famous Nga Awa Purua Rapids, squeeze through the narrowest spot of the Waikato River and spin multiple times on the stunning clear water! You might even learn something new, like how hot the bubbling geothermal water is at the river’s edge, a bit of history about the Aratiatia Dam, or how many world-famous movies have been filmed here (keep your eyes peeled for clues in the trees and on the shoreline!).

By the time you return to the jetty 35 minutes later, the kiddos will be smiling ear-to-ear for the rest of the day. And the memories will last forever.

Jet Boat Ride - Rapids Jet

Check out the map above for a sense of your jetboat journey of a lifetime, including some famous movie hotspots!

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Quick Facts!

WHO can ride with Rapids Jet?

Anybody aged 5+ can join us! But do check out our FAQs for more info, and give us a ring to talk about any health concerns or personal limitations: 0800 727 437

WHERE is Rapids Jet?

We’re located on Nga Awa Purua Rd, just off Rapids Rd, in Aratiatia, Taupō. It’s about 15 minutes from Taupō and 50 minutes from Rotorua. Here we are on Google Maps!

WHEN can I come for a ride?

We’re open 364 days a year (only closed on Christmas Day)!
Our office is open from 9am – 5pm, and our boats operate between 9am and 4pm. On busier days, we can depart every hour, on the hour.  Book online today, or call to chat about when you’d like to come for a ride:
0800 727 437

WHAT should I wear?

  • Any footwear (running shoes, jandals, sandals – it all counts!)
  • In summer: comfy, light clothes
  • In the winter: please dress warm & wear waterproof layers!
  • We provide the life jackets. Rapids Jet life jackets are adjustable and able to fit around a 2XL. If you are unsure on whether you will fit one of our Jackets, stop by and try one on!

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SEE MORE FAQs

No question is a dumb question at Rapids Jet! Don’t see yours in the FAQs?  Contact us today!

  • Adult (16yrs+): $145 per person
  • Child (5 – 15yrs): $85 per person
  • Family Special – BIGGER SAVINGS!: $375 / $460*

Combos

  • Huka Falls River Cruise Combo: $159

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*prices for 2 adults & 2 children, or 2 adults & 3 children

  • 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

Experience the natural beauty of Taupō like never before 🏞️ When you can’t decide between adventure and awe – do both! The best way to enjoy the mighty Huka Falls and the incredible Aratiatia Dam is with our Rapids Jet and River Cruise combo. #hukafalls #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills
Like a theme park in the wild 👌💦 Thank you for sharing this video @explorefeelgood – looks like you had so much fun! 🤩
This Christmas, give the gift of adrenaline and adventure! Faster than Santa’s sleigh, let your friends and family speed through the twists and turns of the Waikato River aboard Rapids Jet 🎄 Check out our website for easy e-gift vouchers. #christmasgifts #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review – “The team were very friendly and made the rainy experience worth it! Jacob the driver took the time to check on us throughout the trip and was awesome! Would highly recommend!” Thanks for your epic feedback, Brianna C! #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills
Hold on tight, we're about to conquer some epic rapids! 🚤 Are you up for the challenge? Thanks for sharing this awesome photo, @karen36laken #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills
Dive into adventure with Rapids Jet! Let's ride the mighty Waikato River together 🌊 #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills
Trick or Treat? 🎃 What are your plans this Halloween? Choose “treat” and come along for some spins on the jetboat and just the right level of scaries! #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ #halloween
From tranquil waters to adrenaline-pumping rapids, our jet boat adventure offers the best of both worlds. What was your favourite part of the ride? 🏞️🚤 #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
Put your hands up if you’re ready for the long weekend ahead! 🙌 We’re open every day throughout the long Labour Weekend for your adrenaline fix. Don’t just take our word for it, here’s Jo’s thoughts she shared on Facebook: “Fun and exciting jet ride! Awesome crew and informative friendly tour guide. Thanks Jacob, Shannon, and team Rapids Jet. We loved our experience! Definitely a must-do activity in Taupō!”' #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
An epic adventure awaits as we glide through the water, leaving a trail of excitement in our wake. Join us for a thrilling experience! 💦 #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Taupō from a whole new perspective. Jump aboard and explore nature's playground in speed and style 🏞️ 🌄 #RapidsJet #JetBoatingNZ #TaupoThrills #NaturePlayground #AdrenalineRush #ExploreTaupo #RiverAdventure #AotearoaAdventures #PureNewZealand #NZMustDo #ExploreNZ #KiwiAdventures #TravelNZ
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