New Zealand offers tourists a wealth of adventure sports to enjoy. A top notch adventure destination, this tiny country is fast becoming a haven for adventure lovers from all over the globe. With miles and miles of stunning coastline as well as numerous lakes and rivers, New Zealand is also a great place to enjoy numerous water based activities and sports. Jet boating is one of the most popular activities in the country and is a local invention that has gone on to attain a worldwide appeal.

Jet boating in New Zealand is a fantastic adrenaline pumping adventure sport and is ideal for those who want to have some fast paced fun. Ideal for thrill seekers, jet boating was invented by a local farmer named William Hamilton in 1957, while he was trying to navigate through the shallow rivers in Canterbury. Soon Bill realized the potential that jet boating had as an adventure sport and how much fun this activity could be.

Jet boating allows a boat to be steered by an engine rather than propellers, and with quick braking facilities on hand; these boats can execute incredible 360 degree turns in the water in the blink of an eye! Jet boating in New Zealand is appropriate for people of all ages and can be enjoyed all year through. Half-day trips as well as hour-long excursions are also available for a nominal fee. Most trips will cost around NZ$90, with waterproof gear, life jackets and helmets provided by the boat company.

Some excellent rivers to go jet boating are;

The Shotover River, Queenstown
The Kawarau River, Queenstown
The Buller River, Westport
The Waiatoto River, Haast
The Whanganui River, Whanganui National Park
Rangitata River, Ashburton
Waikato River, Waikato