Jet Boating Near Christchurch by Campervan: The Waimakariri and Rakaia Gorges

Quick summary: For campervan travellers starting in Christchurch, two of Canterbury’s great braided rivers offer jet boating within an hour or so of the city. The Waimakariri Gorge, around 60 km north-west, and the Rakaia Gorge, around 90 km west, both carve through turquoise canyons beneath the foothills of the Southern Alps. It’s fitting, because the modern jet boat was invented in Canterbury for exactly these shallow, braided rivers. Both gorges are easy drives in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Waimakariri Gorge	Around 60 km north-west of Christchurch
Rakaia Gorge	Around 90 km west of Christchurch
What you ride	Turquoise gorges and braided riverbeds
Ride length	Typically 30 minutes to an hour
Getting there	Sealed roads across the Canterbury Plains
Tours	Christchurch jet boat tours

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Why are Canterbury’s rivers perfect for jet boating?

Because they’re wide, shallow and braided, flowing in many channels across gravel beds, with deep, narrow gorges where they cut through the foothills. Ordinary boats with propellers struggle in such shallow water, which is why a Canterbury farmer developed the jet boat to travel up them. Today, jet boats skim the shallows and race through the gorges with ease. See the Kiwi jet boat story.

What are the gorges like?

Gorge	What to expect
Waimakariri Gorge	Towering canyon walls, deep turquoise water and the braided river below the gorge bridge
Rakaia Gorge	A narrow, blue-green gorge beneath a historic bridge, with the high country beyond

Is it easy to drive an RV to the gorges?

Yes. Both are reached on sealed roads across the flat Canterbury Plains. The Waimakariri Gorge is near the road to Arthur’s Pass, making it a good first stop after pickup if you’re heading west, and the Rakaia Gorge is on the inland scenic route towards Methven and Mount Hutt. Jet boat bases have car parks suitable for larger vehicles.

Can you visit without driving?

Yes. Some operators offer transfers from Christchurch, making a gorge ride easy on the day before you collect the vehicle. See Christchurch jet boat tours.

What else is nearby?

• Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill, beyond the Waimakariri Gorge.
• Methven and Mount Hutt, beyond the Rakaia Gorge.
• The Rakaia Gorge walkway, along the river above the bridge.

For local campervan guides, see christchurchtours.co.nz and its jet boat tours.

Where does the trip go next?

North to Hanmer Springs for the Waiau Uwha gorge, or west over Arthur’s Pass. See Hanmer Springs and the South Island jet boat trail.

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Frequently Asked Questions