• Frequently
    asked Questions

All the things you need to know about Rapids Jet!

Read through our most frequently asked questions & answers below. Don’t see your question? Contact Us here or chat to us on Facebook!

What sizes are the life jackets?

We provide life jackets in a variety of sizes it is mandatory to use an approved life jacket, provided by Rapids Jet on the jet boat.  We cater for sizes from small children up to 2XL.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@rapidsjet.co.nz.

When can I come for a ride?!

Rapids Jet operate EVERY day of the year except Christmas Day!

Boat operating hours vary, between the hours of 9-4pm daily.

Our office hours are 9-5pm, so feel free to call with questions during this period.

Who can ride?
  • Anyone aged 5 years and up can come for a ride with Rapids Jet! As a rule, children need to be 1 metre tall to ride in our jet boats.
  • The oldest person we have taken was 93 years old! Can you top that?!
  • The ride is an experience for people of all fitness levels.
  • Accessibility: To get onto the boat, you are required to head down 25 steps to our jetty. While this means the jetty is non-accessible to wheelchairs, please reach out to chat about how we can help get you to the boat, and if it’s the right ride for you! Call us on 0800 727 437 or reach us by Contact Form.
How long is the trip?

You will be on the water for 35 minutes.

How do we get there?

Our address is. 3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Rotokawa, 3378

For directions from your location, check us out on Google Maps!

When should we get there?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your trip departs.

If you’re running late or can’t make your trip after all, please ring us ASAP:  0800 RAPIDS or 0800 727 437 or 0064 7 374 8066

What do I wear?
  • Footwear: This is a requirement on the boat. Sandals,  jandals, flip flops, thongs, sneakers, trainers – it all counts.
  • Summer Clothing:Comfy clothing like shorts and a T’shirt, and a jacket or jumper if it’s a cooler day.
  • Winter Clothing: Bring warm, cosy clothing. A good jacket, woolly hats and gloves are great, and anything water proof is a bonus. Our boat handrails are heated, warming up as you ride!
  • TOP TIP: Bring a change of clothes just in case you get wet!  For long hair – bring a hair tie!
Does Rapids Jet take photos? If so, how do I BUY MY PHOTOS?

Rapids Jet takes 20-30 high-quality photos, along with one short action clip as you jump the Nga Awa Purua Rapids! You can view the pictures when you return to base, and they are available for purchase there. OR right here on our website after your trip!

Upon payment for your photos the images are emailed to you so you can instantly share with friends and family! (Bragging is encouraged!)

Can I take my camera on board?

Yes, you are welcome to bring one of the following on board:

  • Your handsfree camera. We find Head-Mounts work the best for filming.
  • Your mobile phone with camera. However, for safety reasons this can only be used when the boat has come to a stop. Your driver will tell you when the perfect selfie opportunity is coming up!
How fast will we go?

Our custom-built jet boats will be doing around 70 – 80 kms an hour on our trip, maxing out at about 90km an hour. Trust us – that’s quick enough! Learn more about our epic boats on our About Us page!

How many people in one boat?

11 Adults, or up to 14 Children, and we have 3 boats in total.

Each boat has three rows of padded seating, and each seat provides awesome views during your trip!

Can I bring a GROUP?

Absolutely! We’re a great choice for corporate, school and family/friend groups! Read a bit more about Groups at Rapids Jet here, or Contact Us today to talk about your unique needs!

I’m pregnant! Can I come for a ride?

We strongly encourage you to wait until baby’s here to come for a jet boat ride with us! Contact us to discuss it further if need be!

Can I drive the boat?!

Unfortunately not. Our drivers are professionally trained to the highest standards, and licensed, so you (and everyone else in the boat) can be sure that they’re in very safe and experienced hands. This section of the Waikato River needs a certain level of expertise!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be our next jet boat driver? Feel free to send your CV to us at info@rapidsjet.com.

What are the ‘Fulljames Rapids’?

The Nga Awa Purua Rapids that we ride on and the Fulljames Rapids are actually one and the same. The term ‘Fulljames Rapids’ is commonly known around the globe amongst kayaking thrill-seekers!

We belong to a number of associations. Check them out!
  • We’re a SILVER level Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity!
  • We’re a Member of the Commercial Jet Boat Association of NZ
  • We’re also a Member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand
  • 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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