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Shotover Jet, one of New Zealand’s most thrilling experiences has been recognised as a Viator Experience Award winner. 

Shotover Jet is known as the world’s most exciting jet boat ride having thrilled over four million people since it began in 1965. Shotover Jet operates on an exclusive area of the Kimiākau/Shotover River and is the only company permitted to operate within its spectacular canyons, carved out over the ages by a vast volume of fast flowing water.

Now in its third year, the Viator Experience Awards are based on positive ratings, reviews, and booking numbers using the Viator platform during 2023. Viator is the world’s largest travel experiences marketplace with more than 300,000 bookable tours, activities, and excursions:

Shotover Jet has more than 1500 five-star reviews from manuhiri (visitors) on Viator, and another 6000 reviews on Trip Advisor.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism General Manager Jolanda Cave says it’s a great achievement and adds “we’re humbled that our manuhiri (visitors) have left such positive reviews after their time with us on the water. Our drivers love what they do and that shines through in the feedback we receive.”

Scrolling through the Viator reviews, guests describe memorable moments in the jetboat, the incredible views, and how special it is to enjoy exclusive access to the awa (river).

Shotover Jet is fully owned by Ngāi Tahu Holdings and the influence of the iwi flows through the experience.

Rewi Davis, Ngāi Tahu Kaumatua and Te Rūnanga o Ōraka Aparima Representative, says the majestic Shotover River (Kimiākau Awa) has been home to his ancestors for centuries and shares “The Kimiākau Awa is of great importance to Ngāi Tahu whānaui katoa. This is where the story of our freshwater starts, he wai te tōtō o te whenua, tō tātou tīpuna, e rere ana mai ki uta ki tai - the water is the blood of the whenua, our ancestor, flowing from the mountains to the seas.”

Upoko o Te Rūnanga o Moeraki David Higgins says the Shotover River forms part of Ara Tawhito, a series of ancient trails used by ancestors ( Ngāi Tahu tīpuna).

“Our enduring presence on this awa ensures our footprint in the valley is well and truly secure for future generations. Our people can continue to be amongst an area of huge importance to our ancestors.”

Shotover Jet Business Manager Donald Boyer says winning a Viator Experience Award is a tremendous honour and advises “It recognises the hard work of our kaimahi (employees) to Manaaki (support) our manuhiri (guests) and validates our commitment to exceed expectations. It also inspires us as kaimahi to continue delivering exceptional and unforgettable experiences.”

Over his 10 years as a driver, Boyer has taken tens of thousands of guests on jet boats. He says there is nothing else like it.

“It is one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences. I love driving the boat during an adrenaline filled high speed adventure through the narrow canyons. People love the 360-degree spins.”

To book the Shotover Jet, customers can visit www.shotoverjet.com

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