I did a Jet Boat ride on the Rogue River in Oregon a couple years back with a good friend. It was wet, wild and lots of fun. So when the opportunity arose yesterday to do another one, I jumped at the chance.
A little research revealed that the Jet Boat was invented in New Zealand way back in 1950 by William Hamilton.
Hukafalls Jet has been in operation for 21 years. Their latest state of the art Jet Boats have twin supercharged V6 Buick motors which put out a combined 520hp, with twin Hamilton Jet units thrusting 640 litres of water a second. What this means is that you go really fast!
Huka Falls, Taupo, New Zealand
They run a very professional outfit and have an excellent safety record. However, I was most impressed by our driver, Pryor. He really knows the river and would take us literally within inches of obstacles before skidding sideways or going into a wild 360 degree turn!
Pryor pulls a 360!
The 30 minute ride first raced down the Waikato River. A mild 360 (above photo) got us in the mood. After that it was fast, wild and wet! We ended at a dam and geothermal power plant (the entire area is very geothermic) where we did some more spins. But that wasn’t all!
Next we roared up river to the base of Huka Falls.
Jet Boat Approaching base of Huka Falls
This was definitely the highlight and we stayed here a good while turning 360s and giving everyone time to take photographs. Of course we did more fast spins on the way back to the dock.
This is a very fun activity for kids of all ages (like me) and definitely got my adrenaline going. This popular activity does book up, especially in the summer so reservations are advised.
*My Jet Boat adventure was organized by Hukafalls Jet. However all posts are based upon my own personal experiences and opinions. They are not influenced by any person/organization.
I bet you went jet boating on the Rogue River outside of Grant’s Pass or Gold Beach Oregon! We live in Ashland, just 45 minutes south of Grant’s Pass. The Rogue River is awesome.
You’re right Patti! I went while in Grant’s Pass a few years back and it was awesome.