Christchurch, South Island

Alpine Jet 25
Alpine Jet 26
Alpine Jet 27
Alpine Jet 28
Alpine Jet 29

Alpine Jet Thrills

Family friendly jet boat trip near Christchurch

A thrilling NZ adventure the whole family can share! Experience the shallow, twisting streams, turquoise water and swaying broom of the mighty Waimakariri. Jet boating is a truly unique way of discovering one of New Zealand’s newest regional parks – constantly changing and ever challenging, our experienced drivers will safely thrill and spin you, making short work of the swift flowing river as it rushes from the Southern Alps to the ocean. Choose from a half hour blast to a helicopter or horse ride combo adventure – all excursions are family-friendly and Qualmark approved. Transfers can be arranged from Christchurch area (additional cost). Hats and gloves are provided – please bring warm jacket and a camera.

Activity Age Information:  Pre-schoolers aged 2 - 4 are free and must be accompanied by an adult.  Children are aged 5 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Note: taking younger children shall be at the driver’s discretion and may be dependent on weather conditions.

Tours


Braided Blast

30 minutes of jet boating on one of New Zealand's most challenging and exciting rivers - the Waimakariri. Experience the thrills that only jet boating can offer - skim the shallows, spin in your own length, feel the power of our Hamilton Jets. Our skilled drivers are highly experienced and our purpose built boats are carefully maintained. No-one knows the Waimakariri like 'Jet Thrills'! Allow 1.5 hours from the city centre and return.

Price: Adult $95.00 Child $70.00.
Family Pass
2A and up to 3C (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer):
$300.00 (Usual price $400.00).

Blast Plus

60 minutes of jet boating adventure exploring the constantly changing braids of the Waimakariri river. Experience magnificent views of the rugged Southern Alps, get close to the birdlife which make this mighty river home and enjoy the refreshments provided. (Morning or afternoon tea on the riverbank at the turnabout) Our powerful 'Jet Thrills' Hamilton Jet boat and skilled driver will give you a boating experience like no other. Allow 2.5 hours from city centre and return.

Price: Adult $125.00 Child $ 95.00.

Family Pass 2A and up to 3C (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer):
$400.00 (Usual price $535.00).

Jet Trek

Experience 'Horsepower' from 1 to 300! The 'Jet Thrills Jet Trek' combines an easy 60 minute horseback ride through farm land and river bed tracks with 30 minutes of jet boating adventure, in our 300HP Hamilton Jet boats on the Waimakariri River.
From 'mild to wild' and back again in 90 minutes - only with 'Jet Thrills' and Waimak River Horse Treks. Allow 3.5 hours from city centre and return.

Price: Adult $190.00 Child $160.00

Heli-Jet

The ultimate adventure trip begins with a snappy flight from Garden City Heli base out to the banks of the Waimakariri river where you will be met by your driver guide for our 30 minute Braided Blast up the shallows of the Waimakariri in the 'Jet Thrills' Hamilton Jet boat. Once back on solid ground its off again for your second half of your scenic Heli flight over Christchurch city and back to base.  A minimum of 2 passengers is required for this package. Allow 1.5 hours from city centre and return.

Ex Heliport: $399pp

Transport: transfers can be arranged from Christchurch at additional cost, or travel to us independently.

EXTRA STUFF  We operate daily subject to river and weather conditions. Bookings are essential.

Freephone: 0800 2777 29

Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
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  • Bay of Islands
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  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.