FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
How do we get there?
Our address is 3 Nga Awa Purua Road, Rotokawa, 3378.
For directions from your location, find us on Google Maps.
When can I come for a ride?
AWA operates every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Boat operating hours vary, between the hours of 9am and 4pm daily.
Our office is open from 9am to 5pm – if you have questions, you can call us on 0800 727 437
How long is the trip?
For the Manutaki experience, you will be on the water for 35 minutes.
Do I need to get there early?
Please arrive 15 minutes before your trip departs.
If you’re running late or can’t make your trip, please ring us ASAP on 0800 727 437 or +64 7 374 8066.
Who can ride?
We welcome anyone aged 5 years and up to come for a ride with AWA. Children need to be 1 metre tall to ride in our jetboats.
The oldest person we have taken was 93 years old!
The ride is an experience for people of all fitness levels.
If you’re pregnant, we strongly encourage you to wait until baby’s here to come for a jetboat ride with us! You are welcome to contact us if you have further questions.
Accessibility: To get onto the boat, you will need to walk down 25 steps to our jetty. While this means the jetty is not accessible to wheelchairs, please reach out to chat about how we can help get you to the boat, and if it’s the right ride for you. Call us on 0800 727 437 or use the Contact Form.
What sizes are the life jackets?
It is mandatory to use an approved life jacket and we provide life jackets in a variety of sizes. We cater for sizes from small children up to 2XL.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@rapidsjet.co.nz.
What do I wear?
Footwear: This is a requirement on the boat, but that includes sandals, jandals, flip flops, thongs, sneakers, and trainers.
In summer: Comfy clothing like shorts and a T-shirt, and a jacket or jumper if it’s a cooler day.
In winter: Bring warm, cosy clothing. A good jacket, woolly hats, and gloves are great, and anything waterproof is a bonus. Our boat handrails are heated, to keep your hands warm as you ride!
TOP TIP: Bring a change of clothes just in case you get wet and bring a hair tie for long hair.
How fast will we go?
Our custom-built jet boats will be doing around 70–80kms per hour on our trip, maxing out at about 90km an hour. Learn more about our epic boats on our About Us page!
How many people in one boat?
We have 3 boats in total, and each can hold 11 adults or up to 14 children.
Each boat has three rows of padded seating, and every seat gets awesome views during your trip!
Can I bring a group?
Absolutely! AWA is a great choice for corporate, school, family and friend groups! Read a bit more about Groups at Rapids Jet here, or Contact Us today to talk about your unique trip.
Can I take my camera on board?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring one of the following on board:
Your handsfree camera. We find head-mounts work the best for filming.
Your mobile phone with camera. However, for safety reasons this can only be used when the boat has come to a stop. Your driver will tell you when the perfect selfie opportunity is coming up!
Does AWA take photos? If so, how do I buy them?
AWA will take 20 to 30 high-quality photos on your trip, as well as one short action clip as you jump the Nga Awa Purua Rapids. You can view the pictures when you return to base, and they are available for purchase there, or right here on our website after your trip.
Upon payment for your photos the images are emailed to you so you can instantly share with friends and family!
Can I drive the boat?
Unfortunately not. Our drivers are professionally trained to the highest standards, and licensed, so you (and everyone else in the boat) can be sure you’re in very safe and experienced hands.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be our next jet boat driver, feel free to send your CV to us at info@AWA.com.
What are the 'Fulljames Rapids'?
The Nga Awa Purua Rapids that we ride on and the Fulljames Rapids are actually one and the same. The term ‘Fulljames Rapids’ is commonly known around the globe amongst kayaking thrill-seekers.
Which tourism associations does AWA belong to?
We’re a SILVER level Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity
We’re a Member of the Commercial Jet Boat Association of NZ
We’re also a Member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand
