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Jet Boating Taupo, New Zealand

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NZ Freephone:

0800 Rapids (0800 727 437)

Phone:

+64 7 374 8066

Mobile:

+64 274 308 730

Address:

Rapids Road
Aratiatia
Taupo
New Zealand

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Regional Information:

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Rapids Jet Introduction

Rapids Jet boats the biggest rapids for commercial jet boating in Taupo, New Zealand. Surf the waves of the awesome Fuljames Rapids Taupo and jet boat through narrow canyons, braided shallows and sensational white water rapids on our Taupo jet boat attraction.

Join us on one of Taupo's best, most thrilling attractions, and jet boat in the foaming tail of the biggest rapids in Australasia, the Aratiatia Rapids.

Our safe operational plan is unmatched, having a shore side safety officer at all major rapids and fully buoyant jet boat as well as drivers of 17 years experience (owner operator).

The Waikato River is a geothermal wonderland just 10 minutes from Taupo and 40 minutes from Rotorua.

The Jet Boat Trip

The Rapids Jet trip is also a geothermal marvel, and an historical enlightenment, the early Maori named this area Nga-awapurua, which means 'the river of springs'. These hot springs are all visible and useable.

We continue down river, through the rapids and canyons, and past some of the largest plantation forest in the world, to where the river widens to house pockets of wetlands. These wetlands are important to North Island aquatic fowl, and are home to some 45 different species.

The clear waters of the upper Waikato River enable us to gaze upon the bottom, and see the world famous Taupo trout. You may pick up some local knowledge for trout fishing.

Once safely back at our Aratiatia base, you are welcome to a coffee and to gather at the photographer's area. Here you can sign and comment in our visitor book, and purchase photos captured in the many exciting places you experienced on your trip.

Many visitors to Rapids Jet stay for hours, enjoying the relaxing river environment. There are river walks and viewing platforms for the Aratiatia Rapids, as well as swimming holes, fishing spots, and hot springs.

The Jet Boats

Rapids Jet is a custom-built Jetboat designed to navigate the internationally acclaimed Nga-awapurua rapids (Fuljames) on the upper Waikato River.

These Rapids have large hydraulic pressure waves and narrow shoots, dropping off ledges into whirlpools. The excitement of surfing the waves on the way upstream, is only surpassed by the AIRTIME we count, on the way back down through the rapids.

Who Can Ride the Jet Boats?

If you travel to New Zealand then travel to Taupo because young and old can ride the Rapids Jet. In fact, the jet boat revolutionized river travel with its raised propeller (impeller) for shallow water. This innovation unlocked the beautiful wilderness areas that were once only accessible by canoe or raft (and they don't go back up the river!).

Now all fitness levels can experience those beautiful wilderness areas that were once locked away from them. Your Rapids Jet is padded and totally buoyant in case water enters the cockpit. So although the rapids are big, the ride is soft.

Your Rapids Jet has high sides, designed to turn water out, so although you can expect some spray, you'll be amazed how we handle the whirlpools! Although the Rapids Jet travels at speed, we can plane on top of the water in front of a stationary wave, not moving, as the river speeds past (a fascinating experience)!

For further information about our thrilling Taupo jet boat attraction, please contact us or visit our jet boating in Taupo Web site.

Rapids Jet History

Aratiatia: The stairway of Tia – Tia was the high Priest of the Maori Canoe Te Arawa, which arrived in New Zealand around 1340 ad. Tia ran up the side of the Rapids with his dog, and named them Aratiatia. He then continued on up river and named Lake Taupo, (Taupo nui a Tia meaning—The big shoulder cloak of Tia).

So in 1964 when the Waikato River was being dammed for hydropower, the decision was made to save the Rapids of Aratiatia, by flooding above them. This decision also saved the Nga-awapurua Rapids, (a Navigable, International Treasure.)

In 1952 New Zealander Bill Hamilton invented the shallow draft Jetboat. These boats proved to be capable of safely traveling up and down white water Rapids. By 1960 the Jetboats had developed more thrust and in 1965 a man called Dick Weems successfully navigated his Jetboat Up the Fuljames Rapids. For many years a few very skilled Jetboat owners, and their lucky passengers only experienced this unique thrill.

Then, in 1993 Vance Crozier proved to the Authorities that the Public could safely travel the Rapids, with the modern equipment now available, and the years of expertise of Vance and his Team. With the authorities satisfied with the vigorous river safety guidelines drafted for this section of River, the speed restriction was up lifted so that commercial JETBOAT tours through the rapids could begin.

Since 1993 Rapids Jet has safely carried, 60,000 people through the Rapids, and is accepted as New Zealand's top white water Jetboat tour, if not in the world. In 1997 we built our visitor centre, with observation deck, on the D.O.C. Aratiatia Scenic Reserve. This facility overlooks the river, and is the Gateway to this white water wonderland for jet boaters and Kayakers alike.

For further information about our thrilling Taupo jet boat attraction, please contact us or visit our jet boating in Taupo Web site.

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