• Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

    About
    Us

Our Story

Rapids Jet has been operating for nearly thirty years! In 1996, a gap in the jet boating space presented itself: to offer a unique experience of family-focused fun on the water. Nearly three decades later and we take pride in creating unforgettable jet boat memories for all ages on this stunning stretch of the Waikato River!

Meet the Team

JAMES General Manager

One of the original founders of Rapids Jet! James “Jimmy” Tazewell has been a commercial jet boat driver since 1997. He loves seeing families out on the water and is a Dad himself.

Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

AMANDAFront Desk & Marketing

Amanda has been with Rapid Jet since 2020! She’s the friendly face before and after your ride. Psst…keep your eyes peeled for Amanda with camera in-hand on the shoreline!

SHANNONJet Boat Driver

Obsessed with driving anything with an engine, Shannon has been with Rapids Jet since 2016! But don’t be surprised to find Shannon out white-water rafting from time to time as well!

GABEJet Boat Driver

Gabe is a skilled jet boat driver for Rapids Jet.  Gabe has a passion for the outdoors and a strong sense of Manaaki, he loves giving people a taste of something new and different in Taupō!

Jet Boating New Zealand - Rapids Jet

MAXBoss Dog

Max has been running the show for years! He loves all the friendly people who come for a ride, and the ample amount of rocks and sticks the Waikato River edge has to offer.

Our Jet Boats

Our boats are custom-built for Rapids Jet right here in New Zealand, the home of the jet boat!

QUICK FACTS!

  • They’re built by KwikKraft Marine, a company based in Christchurch who have over 30 years’ experience. They really know what they’re doing!
  • They’re specially designed and built for us to safely navigate through the fast-flowing, ever-changing waters of the Waikato River.
  • Being highly manoeuvrable means we can also steer you through narrow canyons, round rocks in the river and thrill you by performing incredible spins!
  • Made out of heavy gauge marine aluminium with a deep ‘V’-shaped design, making them extremely strong and your ride wonderfully smooth.
  • Our jet boats are fitted with a 500-horsepower, 496 Chevy V8 engine and connected to a Hamilton 212 jet unit – impressively powerful and exceptionally fast!
  • Super important: They comply with all the relevant safety standards and are completely safe and suitable for our white-water adventures. We wouldn’t take you out on them if they weren’t.
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  • Rapids Jet in Taupō gets a perfect 10 out of 10 from me! The combination of stunning scenery and great banter from the team made it an unforgettable experience.

    Rona Latisha - NZ, 2024

  • Jacob was amazing! A very talented driver and had a great sense of humour! It was an overall thrilling ride with some splashes to keep hydrated. Jacob was informative and provided many facts along the River; in addition to 360 spins. Lastly, the photos provided at the end were super high quality! Happy to support this business 😊

    Camila Bulkowski - United States

  • Had the best time with Shannon at the controls of the jet boat experience! Great fun great organisation and brilliant experience! Great value for money. Very safe and exhilarating at the same time. The Waikato River is stunning! A fantastic time from start to finish! Thanks, Rapids Jet! Had a ball!

    Pat & Alan - NZ, 2024

  • awesome experience, Jacob our jet boat driver was amazing and knew his stuff. I would recommend it 100% to anyone visiting Taupo😄

    Catherine Marshall - NZ, 2024

Do you want to share the thrill of jet boating with your friends, family, or colleagues? Whether it’s a reunion, a celebration, or a corporate event, we love hosting groups at Rapids Jet! You can enjoy the excitement of zooming through the rapids and the gorges, while learning about the history and culture of the Waikato River 🌊 For groups of 10 or more, get in touch for the best deals and customise your trip. Or, if you prefer, you can book an exclusive ride and have the whole boat to yourself. Either way, you are in for an amazing adventure that you will never forget! #RapidsJet #Groups #Adventure #Thrill #Culture #Waikato #NewZealand
Looking for a family-friendly adventure in Taupō? Join Rapids Jet and experience the fun and excitement of jet boating through the Waikato River! Suitable for all ages from 5 to 105, this is a ride you’ll never forget! 🌊🛶 📸: @ Baileyrobsonnz 📍: Taupō, New Zealand #jetboat #thingstodotaupo #experiencetaupo #experiencenz #waikato #teawa #rapid #speed #lovetaupo
Rapids Jet is a must-do in New Zealand! You’ll get to see the Aratiatia Rapids, the biggest and longest rapids in the country 🙌 #Aratiatia #adventuretravel #RapidsJet #JetBoating #NewZealandAdventure #WhiteWaterRafting
Do you dare to take on the rapids? Rapids Jet is the ultimate jet boat challenge for adrenaline seekers! Come and see why we are Taupō’s favourite jet boat ride! 😎 #Aratiatia #adventuretravel #RapidsJet #JetBoating #NewZealandAdventure #WhiteWaterRafting
Witness the power of nature at the Aratiatia Dam, where several times a day, thousands of litres of water rushes down a peaceful gully and turns it into a ferocious and spectacular sight! 🌊 #Aratiatia #adventuretravel #RapidsJet #JetBoating #NewZealandAdventure #WhiteWaterRafting
Seeking a thrill to spice up your week? Experience the ultimate white water thrill at Rapids Jet 🚤 Book Now via the link in our bio. #adventuretravel #RapidsJet #JetBoating #NewZealandAdventure #WhiteWaterRafting
Nothing like a whitewater jet boat ride to get your heart racing! Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️ #valentinesday #NZmustdo #RapidsJet #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills #travelnz
Bucket List = Complete ✔️ E️xperience the thrill of white-water jet boating with Rapids Jet. 📍Taupō, New Zealand 📸 @ kateuzzzah #NZBucketList #NZmustdo #RapidsJet #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills #travelnz
“Rapids Jet in Taupō gets a perfect 10 out of 10 from me! I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The combination of stunning scenery and great banter from the team made it an unforgettable experience” Thanks for the 10/10 review, Rona! #NZmustdo #RapidsJet #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills #travelnz
Time to take some time off this weekend with your family and friends? Make it a weekend filled with laughter, excitement, and a few splashes! 💦 Book your experience with us now, link in bio ✨ #NZmustdo #RapidsJet #ExploreTaupō #RiverAdventure #TaupōThrills #travelnz
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