Jet boating, like most hair-raising activities, was also invented in New Zealand. A jet-boat engine sucks water into a tube in the bottom of the boat, and an impeller driven by the engine blows it out a nozzle at the stern in a high-speed stream, which is directed to steer the boat. As jet-boats have no propellers and better clearance under the boat, they are ideal for use in shallow waters. The jet of water can be reversed instantaneously for immediate braking, and this rapid response also permits the boat to execute 360o spins within the boats length. I spent my jet-boat ride hurtling around the Shotover River, regularly shutting my eyes as I anticipated the crash of our boat in to the sides of the gorge, which of course never happened because the response is far too quick. Try jet-boating if you want the most adrenaline pumping boat ride of your life!

Where to go and how much to pay:
If you want to go jet-boating, take a trip to New Zealand where it all began. You can expect to pay around $90 (NZ), for half an hours trip, but it is well worth every cent.