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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.
Quick links
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.
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Location
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Description
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Uplifting Period
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Dart River
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From Lake Whakatipu to Dredge Flat, Mount Aspiring National Park Boundary
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All Year
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Rock Burn Stream
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From Dart River confluence to Chasm
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All Year
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Rees River
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From Lake Whakatipu to Muddy Creek
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30 October to 1 May
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Upper Shotover River
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Deep Creek upstream to 100 metres above Skippers Bridge
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All Year
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Lower Shotover River
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From Kawarau confluence upstream to Oxenbridge Tunnel
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All Year
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Kawarau River
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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.
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All Year
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Makarora River
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From Lake Wānaka upstream to the confluence of the Young River.
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All Year
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Wilkin River
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From the confluence of the Makarora River upstream to Kerin Forks.
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All Year
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Matukituki River
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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.
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All Year
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Clutha River / Mata-Au
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From Lake Wānaka outlet to the Albert Town bridge.
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1 May to 30 November between the hours of 10am and 6pm
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From the Albert Town Bridge to the Red Bridge.
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All Year
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Hunter River
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From Lake Hāwea to Ferguson Creek
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1 November to 12 December inclusive and from 19 March to 30 April.
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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.