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Photographs and video footage will be taken throughout the entire journey available for purchase at the end. The photo package is $39 and the video package is $49 or both packages for $75. This is for people who do not want to worry about taking photos and just enjoy themselves!
If you have a waterproof camera, such as a go-pro, you are welcome to bring it on board. You may take your non-waterproof phones and/or cameras at your own risk; however we do not recommend taking non-waterproof devices into The Squeeze. You may leave the device on the boat while you are in The Squeeze. We advise all non-waterproof devices are kept in a pocket or bag to avoid getting wet.
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Our tap water is pumped from the river, and therefore is not potable. We do, however, have water and other drinks available for purchase.
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- All of our tours have a thrill component, in which you may get splashed or get a wet bottom.
- For the Squeeze Tour, you will be submerged in geothermal water.
- If it rains, you will get wet
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New Zealand River Jet will still operate in rainy weather conditions. It is recommended you bring a warm hat, face scarves, towel and a spare set of clothes for after your tour to change into.
We will not operate in electrical storms, hail storms and or heavy torrential rain.
New time slots or refunds will be provided if your tour is cancelled by New Zealand River Jet due to weather. -
New Zealand River Jet base is located between the 2 central towns of Rotorua and Taupo. We are 35mins drive from Rotorua and 35 mins drive from Taupo.
Our physical address is: 1 Tutukau Road, Mihi 3083
We require you to arrive and check in at River Jet base 30 minutes prior to your departure. If you are located in Rotorua or Taupo you need to leave 1hour and 5mins prior to your scheduled departure to ensure you arrive at base on time.
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We offer a pick up and drop off service. This is only available when you book our Ultimate Squeeze or Ultimate Thermal Safari. The Ultimate part is essentially just a shuttle service to and from our base with a couple of added bonus stops! When you book this tour, it will ask for your accommodation so we know where to pick you up from (must be central Town). Pick up time is between 8:50am and 9:20am. Ensure you wait out front for your pick up collection.
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You can definitely book the Ultimate Squeeze or Thermal Safari even if you have your own car. However you will not have as much flexibility when it come to exploring the area etc as the shuttle will go straight back to town after the tour.
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We have a large car parking space! Equip for lots of cars and campers no problem. It is a safe place on the main highway and is kept an eye on by River jet Staff members. We recommend locking the car and leaving your keys inside the office with staff.
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River Jet is equipped with two toilets/bathrooms and female and male separated change rooms. We do not have showers on site.
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We understand that minds can be changed or events may pop up and you need to cancel your tour. Please email or phone to cancel your tour 7 days prior to your tour to be eligible for a refund. However please note all cancellations have a $30 per person cancellation fee. No refund will be provided if notice is given inside of 7 days.
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Riverjet requires you to be at the base 30minutes prior to your tour departure. We do have a 10 – 15 minute grace period if you are able to get ready fast. However the boat needs to be loaded 5 minutes prior to the departure time to ensure the tour is back on time. Therefore if you are not a part of that loading the boat may leave without you. It is very important to ensure you check in on time. We do our very best to help our wonderful customers and if we can get you on another tour because you missed yours, we will try our best. However, this is not guaranteed. If you miss the boat due to lateness there will be no refund.
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Riverjet will try their very best to be flexible and cater to your amendments. Please email or phone in. However this is not guaranteed.
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On the boat, you want to take as minimal as possible. If you require a bag for all the suggested stuff below you are welcome to bring a small bag, one per group.
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NZ River Jet has 3 black v8 Jet boats.
- The Beast is 22 seater boat. Powered by twin 350 chevs, with twin Hamilton 212 Jet units on the back.
- The Boss is 12 seater boat. Powered by a 383 chev, with a Hamilton 212 Jet unit on the back.
- The Brute is 12 seater boat. Powered by a 377 small block chev, with a Hamilton 212 Jet unit on the back.
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4 passengers (family rate included)
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The Thermal safari and Squeeze are the exact same in terms of Jet boating. Both tours include a scenic ride in the Jet Boat on the way down, and a thrill ride on the way back. In between the two rides, you have an hour to complete an activity.
- Walk around the beautiful geothermal reserve checking out the volcanic phenomena such as silica terraces, geysers and the geothermal cave. This is the thermal Safari option.
OR - Get dressed into swim wear, and get into a warm water stream. Walk through a tight geothermal canyon whilst in the water making your way up to a thermally heated waterfall. This is the squeeze option.
- Walk around the beautiful geothermal reserve checking out the volcanic phenomena such as silica terraces, geysers and the geothermal cave. This is the thermal Safari option.
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The age minimum is 3 years old for the jet boat section.
Minimum 5 years for the squeeze.
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Orakei Korako does have about 800 steps. We do not recommend it for people who have mobility issues. However, it is considered to be a beginner walk, and is not too difficult. Please phone to ask any specific questions regarding this.
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Yes! The Squeeze is tight in some areas and can require a little effort and patience after following instructions from your guide. We have rarely had issues in the past. However, if for whatever reason someone is unable to fit, they are able to relax in the warm waters surrounded by native NZ Bush whilst they wait for the others. So we recommend everyone give it a go!
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No. Unfortunately you cannot do both the Squeeze and Thermal safari (Orakaei Korako walk) on the same tour. It is one or the other. What we recommend is, do the squeeze with us as it is only accessible by boat. Then driving to the thermal reserve base (15 mins from river jet base) and going directly through them they have a café onsite and is a great place to walk and have lunch after your squeeze experience.
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Absolutely! The Tours are run out of the same jet boat. So while some people do the walk, the others do the squeeze as both destinations are very close to one and other.
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Yes we do! Please email the office directly or phone to book via barter card as conditions apply.
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Thermal Safari
- Personal floatation device
- Spray Jacket
- Gloves in winter
- Eyewear for wind protection
Squeeze
- Personal floatation device
- Spray Jacket
- Wetsuits & thermal water tops in winter
- Gloves in winter
- Eyewear for wind protection
- Water footwear
Scenic blast
- Personal floatation device
- Spray Jacket
- Gloves in winter
- Eyewear for wind protection
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Bring the following items on board depending on the tour you are participating in; the rest should be left behind!
Thermal Safari
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (if applicable)
- Cash/money card (there is a cafe that sells drinks and food at Orakei Korako)
- Phone or camera (at own risk)+
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothing in winter (scarves, beanies, jackets)
Squeeze
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (if applicable)
- Waterproof Camera (if applicable) or Phone/camera (at own risk)
- (Towels are left behind)
- (scarves, beanies, jackets)
Scenic Blast
- Phone or camera (at own risk)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (if applicable)
- (scarves, beanies, jackets)
