Mon, 16th Mar, 2026 (part2) Freedom campground, Lumsden to Kawarau Bridge car park, Kawarau River, NZ (Queenstown jet boating)

Time to line up for our jet boat ride.

Our driver is Sam and he said it is his first day, haha. Off we go, bit rough as we headed off then up the narrow section to head to the Kawarau River bridge. Managed to snap some photos.

Great fun through the rapids and great views. Look out ducks.

Steve was keeping an eye on the gauges as well as hanging on and saw the red light come on as we crossed under the bridge over rapids. Sam pulled up and said “looks like we have a problem” so we have to go back to base so back up the rapids - bonus. Back to the marina we made our booking at. Nice timber boat.

Out we got then into another boat and off again and down the Kawarau River rapids and along the river. Did a few 360s which impressed Steve - no photos, too busy hanging on. Great fun. When we stopped for a breather Steve got the info about the twin V8 Chev engines.

Turned up the Shotover River (I had my jet boat experience further upstream with another company in 1982). It is much shallower - “braided”, they call it and we had fun zooming over the shallows and a few more 360s. Under the next bridge to the where the high cliffs start along the river edge.

Turned around and had a fast wild ride back. Swans about as we made our way back to the Kawarau bridge. Up the rapids again.

Bouncier ride back over the lake but the seats are good. One last 360 that I managed to take a photo of the spray.

Watched the ‘sharks’ do their thing - looks like a lot of fun.

Nice willow below the view up to Skyline.

Thanked Sam for the great ride.