Boat Tours in Hanmer Springs

Boat tours around Hanmer Springs run on two very different rivers, from the tight canyon walls of the Waiau Gorge on the village doorstep to the braided channels of the Hurunui River further along the coast road. Our Hanmer Springs boat tours cover jet boating on both rivers, with options ranging from a quick canyon run to a longer trip finished with a riverside barbecue.

Jet Boating the Waiau Gorge

Jet Boating Waiau Gorge is the closest boat tour to the village, spinning through a narrow canyon a few minutes from Hanmer Springs itself. It suits anyone short on time who still wants the full jet boat experience, close rock walls and all, without a long drive either side of it.

Energy Jet on the Hurunui River

Energy Jet is the only jet boat operator on the Hurunui River, a family owned business running trips from Hurunui Bridge on State Highway 1 between Christchurch and Kaikōura. The Hurunui River Jet Boat Ride comes in a 30 minute Energizer 30 option for a quick blast, or the longer 45 minute Energizer 45 trip that travels upstream through river braids and canyons off the beaten track.

Sea Blast: Jet Boating with Local History

The Sea Blast tour pairs the same Hurunui River thrills with commentary on the Māori history of the area, a boat tour that mixes heart pounding turns with a genuine sense of place on the South Island's east coast.

Boat Tours with a Riverside BBQ

For a longer stop on the water, the Energizer and Riverside BBQ extends the jet boat ride to two hours and finishes with a barbecue of fresh produce from the Energy Jet family farm on the riverbank, the most complete Hurunui River boat tour on offer.

Why Book Your Hanmer Springs Boat Tour with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across North Canterbury, not the operator, so we only list boat tours we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare the Waiau Gorge and Hurunui River side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight onto the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest boat tour to Hanmer Springs village? Jet Boating Waiau Gorge is the closest option, running through a narrow canyon just a few minutes from the village centre.

Is Energy Jet the only operator on the Hurunui River? Yes, Energy Jet is the only jet boat operator on the Hurunui River, running trips from Hurunui Bridge on State Highway 1 between Christchurch and Kaikōura.

What is the difference between the 30 minute and 45 minute Hurunui River rides? The 30 minute Energizer 30 covers a quicker section of river, while the 45 minute Energizer 45 travels further upstream through river braids and canyons.

Does the Sea Blast tour include anything besides the jet boat ride? Yes, Sea Blast combines the jet boat thrills with commentary on the local Māori history of the Hurunui River area.

Is there a boat tour that includes a meal? Yes, the Energizer and Riverside BBQ pairs a two hour jet boat trip with a barbecue of fresh farm produce on the riverbank.