Water

Water activities in Queenstown

Jet boating, rafting, kayaking, cruises and fishing on the Wakatipu and the rivers around it — where each one happens, and what you need to book.

Jet boating is the one most people book, but the lakes and rivers here also carry rafting, kayaking, cruises and fishing.

Where the water is

  • Lake Wakatipu — cruises, kayaking and swimming, straight from town.
  • Kawarau River — jet boating and rafting through the gorge.
  • Shotover River — jet boating and rafting, north of town through the canyons.
  • Lake Hayes — flat water for swimming and fishing, on the road towards Arrowtown.
  • Wanaka and Lake Hāwea — an hour over the Crown Range.
  • Clutha River — jet boating and fishing, downstream past Cromwell.

What to book

Jet boating, rafting, kayaking, cruises and fishing.

The water comes off the mountains and stays cold through summer, which is worth knowing before you plan a swim rather than after.

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