# Motu River Jet — Full Site Reference

**Canonical URL**: https://moturiverjet.com  
**Business type**: Jet boat tour operator, adventure tourism  
**Region**: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand  
**Operator**: Mark Looney  
**Phone**: +64 (027) 4707 315  
**Email**: moturiverjet@gmail.com  

---

## What is Motu River Jet?

Motu River Jet is a Bay of Plenty–based jet boat tour company offering guided jet boat experiences on two of New Zealand's most remote and spectacular rivers: the Motu River and the Rangitāiki River. Both rivers pass through untouched native bush and are accessible only by jet boat, making these tours a genuinely unique way to experience wilderness New Zealand.

The company is locally owned and operated, Qualmark certified, and Maritime New Zealand safety compliant.

---

## Tours

### 1. Motu River Tour
- **Departure**: Motu Bridge, State Highway 35, between Ōpōtiki and Ōmaio (approx. 35 min east of Ōpōtiki)
- **Duration**: Approximately 1.5 hours
- **Capacity**: Up to 9 passengers (larger boat) or 6 (smaller boat)
- **Pricing**: Adults $125 | Teens $75 | Children (under 12) $65
- **Season**: All year. Summer departures: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm. Rest of year: on demand.
- **Highlights**: Dramatic river gorges, native bush, pristine untouched waterways, thrilling jet boat manoeuvres

### 2. Rangitāiki River Tour
- **Departure**: Matahina Dam, near Galatea / Te Mahoe (western Bay of Plenty)
- **Duration**: Approximately 1.5 hours
- **Capacity**: Up to 9 passengers
- **Pricing**: Adults $125 | Teens $75 | Children (under 12) $65
- **Season**: All year. Summer departures: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm. Rest of year: on demand.
- **Highlights**: Remote river wilderness, lush native forest, geothermal area proximity, spectacular scenery

### 3. Exclusive Private / Special Trip
- **Type**: Private charter on the Motu or Rangitāiki River
- **Minimum**: 2 passengers
- **Pricing**: From $200 per person (minimum charge $400 for 2 passengers)
- **Ideal for**: Romantic adventures, birthdays, corporate events, group celebrations, wedding parties
- **Customisable**: Routes, timing, and experience tailored to the group

### 4. Hunting Tour
- **Type**: Jet boat transport to remote hunting areas
- **Target species**: Red Deer, Wild Pig, Goat
- **Location**: Raukumara ranges, accessed via Motu River
- **Requirements**: Valid New Zealand firearms licence
- **Options**: Day trips and multi-day options available
- **Ideal for**: Hunters seeking remote East Cape backcountry access

---

## What's Included in All Tours
- Life jackets
- Spray jackets
- Pre-departure safety briefing
- Experienced, licensed skipper
- Up to 2 hours on the water

---

## Locations

### Motu River Departure
State Highway 35 at Motu River Bridge, between Ōpōtiki and Ōmaio, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Approximately 35 minutes east of Ōpōtiki. The Motu River is one of New Zealand's last free-flowing rivers, winding through the Raukumara Range through deeply carved gorges and dense native bush.

### Rangitāiki River Departure
Matahina Dam, Galatea / Te Mahoe, Western Bay of Plenty. The Rangitāiki is one of the North Island's longest rivers, flowing through the volcanic plateau and native forest of the Bay of Plenty interior.

---

## Booking
- **Online**: https://moturiverjet.com/booking
- **Phone**: +64 (027) 4707 315
- **Email**: moturiverjet@gmail.com
- **Gift Vouchers**: https://moturiverjet.com/gift-voucher

Bookings subject to weather conditions and minimum passenger numbers. Response within 2 business days; contact by phone if urgent.

---

## About the Business

Motu River Jet is a locally owned and operated Bay of Plenty adventure tourism business. The company takes pride in sharing the extraordinary Motu and Rangitāiki Rivers — remote, pristine waterways that most visitors to New Zealand never see. Operator Mark Looney and the team bring local knowledge, professional skipper qualifications, and genuine passion for the rivers to every tour.

**Certifications**:
- New Zealand Qualmark certified
- Maritime New Zealand safety compliant
- Professional licensed skippers

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Who can join a jet boat tour?**  
Tours are suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Children are welcome. Life jackets and spray jackets are provided.

**What should I wear?**  
Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather. Spray jackets are provided but dress for the outdoors. Closed-toe shoes recommended.

**Can I book a private tour?**  
Yes. Exclusive private tours are available from $200 per person (minimum 2 passengers). Contact us for group enquiries.

**Are the tours suitable for families?**  
Yes. Child pricing applies to under-12s ($65). Both rivers offer family-friendly adventure at varying intensity levels.

**Do I need a firearms licence for a hunting tour?**  
Yes. A valid New Zealand firearms licence is required for hunting tours.

**What happens if the weather is bad?**  
Tours may be rescheduled due to adverse weather. We'll contact you directly if this affects your booking.

**Where exactly do I go?**  
Motu River tours depart from Motu Bridge on State Highway 35. Rangitāiki River tours depart from Matahina Dam near Galatea. Detailed directions are provided at booking.

---

## Keywords and Search Concepts

Primary: jet boat tours Bay of Plenty, Motu River jet boat, Rangitāiki River jet boat, New Zealand jet boating  
Secondary: river tours NZ, adventure tourism Bay of Plenty, jet boating New Zealand, scenic river tours  
Local: Ōpōtiki tours, Eastern Bay of Plenty adventure, Bay of Plenty day tours, jet boat tours near Whakatāne  
Long-tail: private jet boat charter Bay of Plenty, family jet boat tour NZ, hunting jet boat tour New Zealand, corporate group river tours Bay of Plenty  
Related entities: Motu River, Rangitāiki River, Raukumara Range, East Cape NZ, Bay of Plenty tourism, Ōpōtiki, Matahina Dam, Te Teko, Whakatāne

---

*Last updated: August 2026*