Discover Shotover Jet Boat wheelchair accessible attractions, things to do, tours and activities for disabled travelers. Read our informative review to learn if the Queenstown Shotover Jet Boat is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair friendly or if Wheelchair Jimmy recommends this attraction be avoided by travelers in wheelchairs.
The Shotover River is located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The name correctly suggests that this 47 mi long river is fast flowing, with numerous rapids. The river flows generally south from the Southern Alps on its journey running through the Skippers Canyon, draining the area between the Richardson Mountains and the Harris Mountains, before flowing into the Kawarau River east of Queenstown.
Take a unique breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360° spins and beyond. ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyon.
- City Attraction Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Fully Accessible Entry: Difficult: boat not accessible without assistance
- Accessible Restrooms Onsite: No
- Restrictive Steps: Steps into boat
Jim’s Accessibility Comments:
What a beautiful day and and holy mother of mercy we decided to take the Shotover Jet Boat ride which is reported to be the ultimate, most exciting Jet Boat ride in the world as it twists and turns at maximum speed between the steep, narrow rock walls of the Southern Alps. It’s the exact same jet boat ride that the Royal couple, Prince William and Duchess Kate completed in 2014. I also decided today to throw accessibility and personal safety out the window. But it was a beautiful day in a spectacular setting and the adrenaline was running just thinking about the adventure.
This amazing white water ride through the Shotover Canyon is located on the Shotover River and about a 10 minute drive outside central Queenstown. It’s in a remote area and you must drive here as there are no accessible shuttle buses. Once here you’ll find a small business office and a little red shack on the riverfront, surrounded by a rugged sandy / rocky beach. Given the terrain, my friends purchased the tickets in the business office while I sat in the car. Then the Jet boat crew allowed us to drive down to the river shack and park our car. Since rolling on this very rocky shore was a struggle, the young, enthusiastic Jet Boat crew rolled me down the ramp and just picked me up from the wheelchair, straddled into the boat about 5 feet, and placed me comfortably in my seat. From that point, it was crazy wild ride.
At any moment we could have collided straight on with the canyon wall. No Disney ride here, and Yes we did get wet.
Not what I’d call wheelchair accessible but it was a fabulous thrill ride and experience! Not to be missed! Just do it! This was one of our best ever memories! There are many jet boat attractions throughout New Zealand and the world, but the Shotover is in a class by itself!
No wheelchair accessible restroom at terminal. Everyone here was very friendly and happy to help. Just do it!
New Zealand Travel
