Explore and enjoy the pristine waters of the Rakaia River with a scenic and adrenaline-pumping jet boat adventure. Experience fly fishing or spin casting for trout and salmon while boating the river or treat yourself to a helicopter jet boat combo. All this and more with Four Seasons Safaris.

Recognized as offering the very best scenery in the South Island, ‘Discovery Jet’ (operated by Four Seasons Safaris) combines sheer adrenaline and excitement of high speeds through the towering gorge, with truly breathtaking views of the glacial fed Rakaia Gorge and Southern Alps. Operating two high class sporty boats from the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, Discovery Jet is now the only certified commercial operator through Maritime NZ on the Rakaia Gorge. With over 10,000 driving hours between the guides/drivers, the experience and knowledge of the Rakaia River and its surroundings is second to none.

Discovery Jet boating trips offer variety and excitement and are truly adventure/eco tours. No other New Zealand experience is complete without a trip on one of the Discovery Jet Boats - book your trip and experience the thrill, power and maneuverability of jet boating for yourself! You wont be disappointed!

New sporting and recreational opportunities on the rivers of Canterbury such as jetboating, were made possible by the famous HamiltonJet™. Originally designed and built in New Zealand, the Hamilton jet boat’s waterjet functions similarly to turbines of the aero industry, taking in and pumping out large volumes of water at high speed to produce thrust.

You can experience the thrill of high-speed river jetboating on board Discovery Jet. Powered by a Chevrolet 350 motor coupled to a HamiltonJet 212 series water jet, our jet boat offers an exhilarating (and safe!) trip on the Rakaia River. The jet boat design has the power to thrust 11 passengers to high speed planing within 3 boat lengths. Shallow waters and a high degree of manoeuvrability make jet boating an exhilarating experience!

You'll need to hang on tight as our driver skillfully weaves the jet boat through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming along stony banks and through gushing opalescent blue waters rich with salmon and trout. As you journey through the gorge, the wind ripping through your hair and water spraying with every carefully-calculated twist and turn, soak in the dramatic scenery. Scrub covered hills give way to towering coal and limestone cliffs, in captivating hues of grey and brown, which have been carved out over millions of years. Spot the shags sitting atop the cliffs, poised to dive on their unsuspecting prey, and marvel at the grandeur of the snow-capped Southern Alps. Scream with excitement as the driver spins the boats 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.

Our drivers know the river better than anyone and will unveil to you all its treasures and provide you with access to spots others can only dream of. If you want time on your own, they can drop you off at one of the many remote islands or sandy beaches along the river where you can make your own fun or simply sit and savour the tranquility and splendour of your surroundings.

All our tours have a variety of boating, from a very scenic jetboat tour to mixing it up with a a few calculated twists, turns and the exciting Jet Spins! There will be stops along the way where your driver will talk of the areas tourism, history, flora and fauna and local personalities.

We can tailor-make a jet safari for you. Whether you want a foot-to-the-floor adrenalin-pumping ride, the double thrill of a heli-jet combo, to fish remote stretches of the Rakaia or a jet boat photographic safari, all guests will experience the best boating New Zealand has to offer with Discovery Jet.

What to bring?

Sunglasses, suncream, jackets are recommended items to bring with you. We do supply spray jackets and life vests. Do bring a camera as there are fantastic photo opportunities!