Auckland Adventure Jet

Auckland Adventure Jet sends families skimming across the Waitemata Harbour at 45 knots, twin V8 engines roaring, spray flying. The 35-minute ride sweeps past the Auckland skyline, the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island, and out towards the Hauraki Gulf — cityscape and open water trading places as the boat carves across the harbour.

Children clamber aboard knowing they might get wet — the operator recommends wearing clothes that can take a soaking or bringing a spare set. There is no minimum age, but riders do need to be at least 115 cm tall to reach the handles at the front of the boat.

It suits families with older, taller children who are ready for a genuine thrill, as well as groups after a shared experience on the water. Hidden beaches and facts about Auckland punctuate the ride, giving it a little more texture than a straight speed run.