The wait is finally over for jet boat fans. River Racing New Zealand has confirmed the dates for the 2027 New Zealand UIM World Jet Boat Championship, with racing set to run from 19 to 28 November 2027.
The ten day championship will start in Queenstown and finish in Christchurch, taking competitors through some of the country’s most demanding river country, from the mountains of Central Otago through to the Canterbury finish line. Classes confirmed for the event include Unlimited, A Class, CX and FX, with the FX-Evo class also in the mix pending approval from the UIM.
It’s not the only big river racing news out of River Racing NZ. Back in December 2025, the association also announced that the World Jet Boat Marathons will be held in November of both 2027 and 2028, subject to UIM ratification, giving competitors two back to back world level endurance events to plan around. Both marathons are expected to take place across the South Island, most likely along river systems between Canterbury and Otago and Southland, covering around 1000km of fast, technical river racing. Exact start and finish points are still being worked through, with more detail promised once the course is locked in.
River Racing NZ spokesperson Aidan Flett says November was chosen with international travel and river conditions in mind. “November gives us the best mix of river conditions, daylight hours, and event certainty for teams travelling from around the world,” he says, adding that locking in dates early gives crews time to plan around what he describes as some of the most demanding river racing terrain in the world.
There’s also a clear invitation going out to North American teams, with River Racing NZ keen to see racers from the United States, Canada and Mexico make the trip for both 2027 and 2028. To make that easier, the association is putting together a list of boats available for lease or purchase in New Zealand ahead of each marathon, aimed at giving overseas crews a straightforward way into the sport here.
Anyone considering the trip can register interest now through River Racing NZ’s Expression of Interest form, which covers everything from pre-run boats for course familiarisation to accommodation, vehicles and crew logistics. Flett says the goal is simple: “We want international crews to feel confident that they can arrive, race hard, and enjoy the full New Zealand marathon experience.”
Further announcements on course details, entry dates and boat availability are expected over the coming months.
Learn more at the River Racing NZ.
