Here is your chance to pair two of Queenstown’s most iconic experiences. Packing in those famous 360 spins and dramatic canyon walls as you discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness. The Go Orange Jet Boat will race down the river to your next mode of transport. Jump straight into a raft with the team to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand-new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies. Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
Pair two of Queenstown’s best activities and book now
*Departures times change depending on the seasons
Meet us 20 minutes before check-in at Go Orange Rafting, 35 Shotover Street, Queenstown.
It's Summer, we're excited, you should be too!
Go Orange will be taking on the Kawarau river twice daily, now with the option to upgrade and arrive by Jet Boat. The Go Orange Jet Boat will race over Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River to meet your guides, continue the experience rafting grade 2-3 whitewater rapids. Summer is here, the days are longer, the water is warmer and we are excited to be pairing two of Queenstown’s best loved experiences. Our prices have also changed, giving you the chance to save a few dollars, should you need to squeeze in another activity during your Queenstown holiday. Our trips are all half day trips, meaning we will have you back in Queenstown centre before you know it, exploring more of our playground.
Bring your swimsuit and towel. It is advised that you don't bring any valuables with you. We do have a small valuables locker at Rafting Base if you need.
Wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties and a life jacket. Along with transport, rafts, legendary guides and guaranteed epic whitewater.
Go Orange Jet to Raft
We have never done rafting before - this was an excellent way to start. Our youngest is 13 and we were fine. Staff were friendly and gave clear guidance so we felt confident. Absolutely lovely going down the river and final rapids were a thrill and certainly tested the fitness for a short burst. Has given a taste for more!
Rafting on beautiful Kawarau river was a great experience, well organized and the guides were professional. I can definitely recommend this as your first rafting experience.
It was great to experience two awesome tours at the same time...jetboating and rafting! The company was great to deal with from the booking process through until the completion of the tour. It was my first time white water rafting and it has left me wanting more, I'll definitely be back. Thanks Go Orange you guys are awesome
In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.
Can I participate in this experience?
We have a minimum age of 13 years for our experiences that include rafting. You have to be between 40kg - 120kg. Please check the Terms & Conditions.
Can I take my camera?
Sorry, no cameras are allowed on the Jet to Raft experience for safety reasons.
Is Jet Boating an inclusive experience?
Yes! We are affiliated with Makingtrax, an advocate for inclusive tourism. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and how we can make the trip inclusive for you. Check out Makingtrax
Do I Jet Boat in my wetsuit?
Yes, you do. We will take you to the Jet Boats from the Rafting Base. If you are not Jet Boating, you will stay in the bus and carry on via road to the Kawarau River put in.
Where do I put my wetsuit on?
You will get all your gear at the Raft Base before your trip begins. When you check in at the Shotover Street store a shuttle will take you out to the Raft Base at Arthurs Point, here we have changing rooms and hot showers for when you return.
How long is the Jet Boat ride?
Your Jet Boat experience will be around 30-40 minutes long. You will be joining the Thunder Jet one-hour trip, once you have unloaded, they will turn around and head back to Queenstown.
Can all abilities enjoy a Go Orange experience?
We will accommodate your party as best we can across all experiences. Please contact us directly so we can discuss your needs and accommodate all members of your party. See inclusive details at www.makingtrax.co.nz
How do I get back to the Rafting Base after the experience?
Your experience will finish at Rafters Road where our bus will be waiting. We will load the rafts on to the trailer and head back to base together.
Are my experiences getting cut short because I'm combining two?
No, the Kawarau River Rafting experience is the same time as you meet the crew at the start point. Thunder Jet offer a 25-minute trip down the Kawarau River, that is what you are booking. Double the adventure.
Do we get lunch?
You don’t. Please ensure you have eaten before your experience, you will be on the water paddling for at least two hours. You can however purchase food and drink from Canyon Food & Brew Co located out at the Raft Base.
Do we take the rafts and the paddles with us on the Jet Boat?
No, we wouldn’t want you to lose these during those famous 360-degree spins. All the equipment apart from the gear you are wearing will be taken to the raft put in on the bus.
Will there be other people on the Jet Boat?
Potentially yes. You will be joining the Thunder Jet one-hour trip so there will be Thunder Jet customers on the boat. You will sit together with the other rafters and a guide.
Will we see Dolphins on the Jet Boat?
Unless we find a rare breed of fresh water Dolphins during you experience then no you won’t see Dolphins.
Why should I choose Go Orange Jet Boat?
Apart from the fact that we are awesome, our Jet boats travel further and cheaper than any other Jet Boat in Queenstown. Covering 44Km down the Kawarau River giving you that real wilderness experience. We offer a trip packed with famous 360 degree spins and navigate under not one, but two bridges. Our drivers are also pretty epic, spinning quality yarns and playing the best tunes.
Will I get wet?
It is not our intention to get you wet however we can’t control the weather and sometimes our spins can get a little powerful. Meaning you may experience a light spray of water but that’s why we give you spray jackets.
Can I take my bag?
Unless you require your bag on the boat for medical reasons we suggest you leave it with us on land. We have lockers that we can store your belongings in until you return from your experience.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Jet Boating is an excellent family activity to be enjoyed by all. Bring your kids, they will love it!
Will I get seasick on the Jet Boat?
Hopefully you won’t. Our Jet Boats travel at speed and we throw in a few 360-degree spins, however if you’re feeling a little queasy just let the driver know.
Can I ride on the Jet Boat if I am pregnant?
We don’t suggest you Jet Boat if you are pregnant, sorry!
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