Shotover Jet - Excitement at it's Best

Edith Cavell Bridge

 The Shotover Jet is one of Queenstown's the most exciting attractions. It is located 10 minutes outside of Queenstown  on the Shotover River at Morning Star Beach where in 1862 gold was first discovered by Thomas Arthur and Harry Redfern. If you are staying in Queenstown at a hotel you can be picked up by the Shotover Bus. While on the bus ride the driver plays an information video of a safety briefing before you get to the boat launch.

Once you arrive on site the first thing that strikes you is that water is a beautiful aqua colour and the surrounding scenery of the canyon is stunning! The historic Edith Cavell bridge, which is a one lane bridge  frames the entrance into the canyon beyond.

Once you make your way down to the boat you are given a rain coat and life vest and are advised to wear a toque (especially in the fall and winter), ensure your glasses are well fitting and you must leave your camera and personal belongings in a secure locker.  As you board the boat the driver reminds you to hold on to the heated hand rail, keep your hands and arms in at all times and definitely no standing is allowed. Get ready the fun is about to begin!

The river is noticeably shallow, and can be as shallow as 10 cm in some spots, this makes you wonder why the boat does not bottom out especially with 14 people in one boat. The boat call "Big Red" is designed specifically for the Shotover River conditions. With no exterior parts the water is actually sucked in towards the inside propellers called impellers and then forced out the rear nozzles with great force allowing it to reach speeds of 85 KMPH. The jet boat can brake and reverse using deflectors and thrust buckets similar to a jet aircraft, this allows it turn on a dime for incredible 360 degree spins!        

As we start to pick up speed and move through the canyon it is hard to know what to feel? Should I be freaking out about how close he comes to the rocks at incredible speeds or just be in awe of the incredible view from inside the canyon? The canyon is very narrow in some parts and it doesn't even look like the boat can pass and it barely does. And, I have to wonder why sheep who has wandered down to the shore for a drink and seems totally oblivious to the fact that there is a big red thing coming down the river at 80 KMPH and there is a bunch of women screaming in it as it does a complete 360 degree spin a mere inch or two from the rocks. I guess even sheep can zone out seeing the same thing over and over again on a daily basis.

As there is no way to really describe the acceleration felt while riding in " Big Red" the video below might somewhat do the trick. In my opinion is this probably one of the most adrenaline pumping things you can do short of bungee jumping or riding down the side of a mountain on a bike. It requires no strenuous effort unless you count exercising your lungs strenuous. Great for all ages and it is family friendly. Kids must meet the height requirement of 1.2 metres or more. You will disembark a little damp maybe, your face a little wind blown but there will be a smile on your face.  I recommend The Shotover Jet a must do while in Queenstown!

Denise Gushue - Travel Advisor
Kiwi Specialist
e. denise.gushue@gmail.com

View from Shotover Beach.