Jet Boating

The Queenstown Lakes District is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers found anywhere in the world and is a popular jet boating destination for both commercial and private use. Before you head out on our lakes and rivers, make sure you understand all of the basics. 

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Overview

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Speed uplifts

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Tips for jet boaters

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Overview

Many of the rivers in the Queenstown Lakes District are home to commercial jet boat or rafting operations. It is important that recreational jet boaters notify these operators when entering thier operational area. 

Some areas such as the Shotover River Concession Area, are restricted and cannot be entered without first obtaining a permit.  

The national maritime law restricting vessels to travel at a speed of 5 knots or below within 200m of the shore applies to all rivers and waterways in the Queenstown Lakes district. Except for those rivers granted a speed uplifting under the Navigation Safety Bylaw. 

Speed uplifts

The following is a list of the river sections in the QLDC district that are subject to speed uplifting's.  

Please note that travelling at speed more than 5 knots outside of the uplifting periods listed, or, on any river in the district not listed below, is illegal and subject to infringement or prosecution. 

 

Location 

 

 

Description 

 

 

Uplifting Period 

 

 

Dart River 

 

 

From Lake Whakatipu to Dredge Flat, Mount Aspiring National Park Boundary 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Rock Burn Stream 

 

 

From Dart River confluence to Chasm 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Rees River 

 

 

From Lake Whakatipu to Muddy Creek 

 

 

30 October to 1 May 

 

 

Upper Shotover River 

 

 

Deep Creek upstream to 100 metres above Skippers Bridge 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Lower Shotover River 

 

 

From Kawarau confluence upstream to Oxenbridge Tunnel  
(IMPORTANT: PERMIT REQUIRED FOR ACCESS TO THE SHOTOVER RIVER CONCESSION AREA) 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Kawarau River 

 

 

From Lake Whakatipu to the Arrow River 

confluence, excluding an area marked by yellow buoys adjacent Zoological Gardens in which the 5 knot limit remains in place. 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Makarora River 

 

 

From Lake Wānaka upstream to the confluence of the Young River. 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Wilkin River 

 

 

From the confluence of the Makarora River upstream to Kerin Forks. 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Matukituki River 

 

 

From Lake Wānaka upstream to the point on the East Branch where it meets the Mt Aspiring National Park Boundary and on the West Branch to the Raspberry Flat car park. 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Clutha River / Mata-Au 

 

 

From Lake Wānaka outlet to the Albert Town bridge. 

 

 

1  May  to 30 November between the hours of 10am and 6pm 

 

 

From the Albert Town Bridge to the Red Bridge. 

 

 

All Year 

 

 

Hunter River 

 

 

From Lake Hāwea to Ferguson Creek 

 

 

1 November to 12 December inclusive and from 19 March to 30 April. 

 

 

For detailed information on river access, speed uplift boundaries and rules and requirements in the district please reference the QLDC Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025.

Tips for jet boaters

This series of short videos is designed to help new jet boaters make the most of their chosen sport. Videos cover a range of topics from finding and buying a suitable boat, safety tips, rules and regulations, driving tips and much more. It is an initiative of Jet Boating New Zealand and produced with support from Maritime NZ.