Rapids Jet operates on the biggest rapids for commercial jetboating in New Zealand. Shoot through a narrow canyon, be exhilarated by spins on crystal clear waters, spot a trout and surf the pressure waves of the awesome Nga Awa Purua rapids. Take time to view the amazing surrounds of Aratiatia Scenic Reserve, and learn about the wildlife and history of the area with your Local drivers. This 35 minute blast will take you up to the Aratiatia Power Station to the base of the Aratiatia Rapids, NZ’s biggest and longest rapids that spill from the Aratiatia Dam daily and guarantees an adrenaline rush!
They start by getting you into a life jacket and into ‘the zone’ for epic jet boating: calm nerves and lots of excitement!
It’s then a few steps down and into their custom, Kiwi-built boats. Your skilled driver settles you in and gives a quick intro to the beautiful part of the Waikato River that you’re floating on. Then – hold on tight! – you’ll take off for every twist and turn imaginable!
You’ll experience the thrill of ‘surfing’ on the pressure waves of the famous Nga Awa Purua Rapids, squeeze through the narrowest spot of the Waikato River and spin multiple times on the stunning clear water! You might even learn something new, like how hot the bubbling geothermal water is at the river’s edge, a bit of history about the Aratiatia Dam, or how many world-famous movies have been filmed here (keep your eyes peeled for clues in the trees and on the shoreline!).
By the time you return to the jetty 35 minutes later, you’ll be smiling ear-to-ear for the rest of the day- and the memories will last forever.
Then it’s time to kick back and soak in the 100% natural thermal waters at Waiketi Valley Thermal Springs. Rotorua’s Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a natural thermal bathing complex. Water for the pools comes straight out of the Te Manaroa Boiling Spring, and is then cooled before entering (and exiting) the pools.
This 100% natural thermal water is not treated with any chemicals whatsoever nor is it filtered or recycled back into the pools. The ‘Living Waters’ of Waikite Valley is the only thermal pool complex of this size in New Zealand using only 100% pure natural geothermal water. Given the nature of the water we recommend that you keep your head above water when swimming.
Indulge in the soft calcite-laden mineral water in temperatures of 35-38°Celsius seducing you into a total state of relaxation.
