Alpine Jet Thrills offers exhilarating jet boat rides on the spectacular Waimakariri River, just minutes from Christchurch in Canterbury.
Experience high-speed Hamilton spins, braided river shallows, dramatic canyon scenery, and the only commercial Air Boat rides in New Zealand. From adrenaline-filled jet boating adventures to scenic canyon safaris, Alpine Jet Thrills delivers one of Canterbury’s most unique adventure tourism experiences.
Excitement and scenery, enjoy the Hamilton Jet spins, speed and interesting commentary from either one of our 2 departure points.
Experiences are available from our “Braided Shallows” departure point just 15 minutes north of Christchurch in the Waimakariri Regional Park, or our “Canyon Safaris” departure point 50 minutes west of Christchurch 651 Rubicon Road, Springfield.
Christchurch Jet Boat Rides & Canterbury Adventure Experiences
- Jet Boat Rides
- Alpine Air Boats
- Cruise Ship Passenger Excursions – We are the only river jet boat shore excursion available from Cruise Ships around New Zealand
- Corporate Events
- School Groups
Braided Shallows Christchurch Jet Boat Experience
Departure point just 15 minutes north of Christchurch in the Waimakariri Regional Park.
Experience one of our Braided Shallows adventures on board an Alpine Jet Thrills Jet Boat. Enjoy ‘Hamilton Spins’ and speed across shallow braided sections of a river considered the home of jet boating.
20 mins of jet boating on the Braided Shallows of one of New Zealand’s most challenging and exhilarating rivers – the Waimakariri. Experience the thrills that only jet boating offers – skim the shallows, spin in your own boat length – under the guidance of our skilled drivers. No-one knows the Waimakariri like Alpine Jet Thrills!
Alpine Air Boats
Come and experience the sensation of skimming over wet stones in Air Force 2, our genuine all American style AirBoat.
Our brand-new AirBoat operation – just like the ‘gator huntin’ AirBoats in the Everglades of Florida USA – is available at our Braided Shallows location at the Waimakariri Regional Park in Christchurch and at Springfield by arrangement.
Please call 0800 26 36 26 for confirmation of location, time and dates available.
Waimakariri Canyon Jet Boating Near Christchurch
Departure point 50 minutes west of Christchurch at 651 Rubicon Road, Springfield.
Skim across the turquoise waters, soak in the towering cliff faces that make up the mountains of the Southern Alps and marvel as waterfalls cascade to join the mighty Waimakariri River at Springfield.
Your jet boating experience offers a diverse combination of a scenic sensory experience and adrenaline pumping exhilaration!… and while you’re at it, check out Jet Boat World, our jet boating heritage display being established overlooking the Waimakariri River.
For 60 minutes you’ll discover just how special this piece of paradise really is. No cars, no houses, your jet boat is the only way to experience this extraordinary part of the world. An extended commentary highlights the strength of mother nature and delivers spectacular photo opportunities of cascading waterfalls and old pioneer tramping huts.
One of the Best Things to Do in Christchurch
Looking for exciting things to do in Christchurch? Alpine Jet Thrills combines speed, scenery, adrenaline, and authentic Kiwi adventure on the Waimakariri River. Located close to Christchurch and Canterbury attractions, this unforgettable jet boating experience is ideal for visitors, families, groups, cruise ship passengers, and adventure seekers.
Planning a Canterbury adventure? From Christchurch attractions and alpine scenery to outdoor activities and hidden gems, explore more of the region in our Canterbury Travel Guide. Discover things to do, places to visit, accommodation, and Canterbury experiences to help plan your South Island getaway.
Canterbury Adventure Combos & Corporate Events
Jet boat, air boat, heli jet and lunch. Maybe add a laser clay shooting experience. Your choice, all available at Springfield Adventure Park – home of Alpine Jet Thrills and More than Just a Ride!
There are plenty of combinations available so we can customise to your requirements too!
- Planning a corporate or social club event? Check out the Combos in our Corporate Menu!
- Looking for meeting facilities? We’re a world away from Christchurch but less than an hour by road!
- Need Team Building ideas? We’ll give a few that will really test who’s who in your team!
- Kayak or Raft Taxi Service required to experience the Waimakariri Gorge? We have that covered too.
Book Your Christchurch Jet Boating Adventure
Experience the thrill of jet boating on the spectacular Waimakariri River with Alpine Jet Thrills. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline, scenery, AirBoat adventures, or one of the best things to do in Christchurch, this is an unforgettable Canterbury experience.
Contact Alpine Jet Thrills directly to check availability and book your Christchurch jet boat adventure today.
FAQ’s
Where does Alpine Jet Thrills depart from?
Alpine Jet Thrills operates from two locations on the Waimakariri River, including Waimakariri Regional Park near Christchurch and Springfield in Canterbury.
How far is Alpine Jet Thrills from Christchurch?
The Braided Shallows experience is located approximately 15 minutes north of Christchurch.
What makes Alpine Jet Thrills unique?
Alpine Jet Thrills is the only commercial jet boat operator on the Waimakariri River and offers New Zealand’s first commercial AirBoat experience.
Is Alpine Jet Thrills suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, Alpine Jet Thrills offers jet boat shore excursions for cruise ship passengers visiting Canterbury and Christchurch.









