Car Rental for Jet Boating in New Zealand: Where to Pick Up
Quick summary: New Zealand’s best jet boat rides are spread from the Bay of Islands to Fiordland, and a rental car is a simple way to link them. Queenstown’s Shotover and Kawarau rides are minutes from Queenstown Airport, Huka Falls is a short drive from Taupō’s airport, and Rotorua, Christchurch and Kerikeri all have rental cars close to their rivers and harbours. Once you’ve arrived, most rides leave from riverside bases with their own parking, or collect from accommodation.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| South Island hub | Queenstown Airport, for the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart |
| Canterbury | Christchurch Airport, for the Waimakariri, Hanmer and Kaikōura |
| Central North Island | Taupō and Rotorua airports |
| Northland | Kerikeri Airport, for the Bay of Islands |
| Requirements | Full licence held a year or more, a card, usually aged 21+ |
| Tours | Jet boat tour destinations |
Compare car rental at Queenstown Airport
Which pickup suits each jet boat destination?
| Destination | Nearest rental pickup | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | Queenstown Airport or town | Queenstown jet boats |
| Wānaka, Te Anau, Haast | Queenstown Airport | Wānaka, Te Anau, Haast |
| Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura | Christchurch Airport | Christchurch, Hanmer, Kaikōura |
| Taupō | Taupō Airport | Taupō jet boats |
| Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti | Rotorua Airport | Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti |
| Bay of Islands | Kerikeri Airport | Bay of Islands |
| Auckland | Auckland Airport | Auckland |
Which guides cover each island?
See North Island car rental, South Island car rental and Queenstown car rental, plus jet boat road trips by car.
What does a rental company need from you?
A full driver’s licence for every driver, held for twelve months or more, and a card in the main driver’s name. Licences in another language need an approved English translation or an International Driving Permit. The usual minimum age is 21, and under-25s often pay more.
Do you need a car once you arrive?
Not always. Many jet boat operators in Queenstown, Taupō and the Bay of Islands collect from accommodation or leave from town waterfronts. A car comes into its own for riverside bases outside town, such as the Shotover canyon and Huka Falls, and for linking several rides on one trip.
Car or campervan?
See campervan or rental car?, or the jet boating by campervan guide for a longer road trip.
Compare car rental at Christchurch Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
At Queenstown Airport or a town depot. The Shotover canyon base and the town waterfront are both a short drive away.
Taupō Airport, a short drive from the river north of town.
Many do, especially in Queenstown, Taupō and the Bay of Islands. Check when you book.
Each driver’s full licence, held for twelve months or more, plus a card in the lead driver’s name. Most companies rent from age 21.