South Island Car Rental for Jet Boating: Christchurch, Queenstown and Beyond
Quick summary: On the South Island, two airports cover almost every jet boat ride. Christchurch Airport is the base for the braided Waimakariri River near the city, the Waiau gorge at Hanmer Springs, around 125 km north, and Kaikōura on the coast. Queenstown Airport puts you minutes from the Shotover and Kawarau and within reach of Wānaka, Te Anau and Haast’s wilderness rivers. A one-way rental between the two links both regions.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Christchurch Airport | For the Waimakariri, Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura |
| Hanmer Springs | Around 125 km from Christchurch |
| Kaikōura | Around 180 km from Christchurch |
| Queenstown Airport | For Queenstown, Wānaka, Te Anau and Haast |
| Wānaka | Around 70 km from Queenstown over the Crown Range |
| Tours | Christchurch jet boats |
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Which rides does each airport cover?
| Airport | Rides | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | The Waimakariri River, the Waiau at Hanmer, Kaikōura | Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura |
| Queenstown | The Shotover, Kawarau and Dart rivers | Queenstown |
| Queenstown | The Clutha at Wānaka, the Waiau at Te Anau | Wānaka, Te Anau |
| Queenstown or Hokitika | Haast’s wilderness rivers | Haast |
What is a Canterbury jet boat loop by car?
Collect a car at Christchurch Airport, ride the Waimakariri near the city, then drive north to Hanmer Springs for the Waiau gorge and the thermal pools, and on to Kaikōura on the coast before returning south. See the Christchurch, Hanmer and Kaikōura loop, which also suits a car.
How do you reach Haast?
Haast is remote, roughly halfway between Wānaka and the West Coast glaciers. From Queenstown, drive north through Wānaka and over the Haast Pass. Hokitika Airport is an alternative from the north, around three hours away.
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What about Te Anau?
Around 170 km south-west of Queenstown, Te Anau has rides on the Waiau River and is the gateway to Milford Sound. Drive from Queenstown, or collect a car at Invercargill Airport and drive north.
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Can you rent one way between Christchurch and Queenstown?
Yes, and it’s a popular way to combine Canterbury’s rivers with Queenstown’s. Check any one-way fee. See the South Island jet boat trail and jet boat road trips by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christchurch Airport, around 125 km south of Hanmer Springs.
At Queenstown Airport, around 70 km away over the Crown Range.
Drive from Queenstown via Wānaka and the Haast Pass, or from Hokitika in the north.
Yes. Many companies offer it, and it links Canterbury’s rivers with Queenstown’s.