The Highway Code also advises not to do a U-turn at a mini roundabout because other vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout will not expect it and may pull out in front of you, however, it is not illegal to do this.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled almost 4 million people since 1965, and now it’s your turn!

Combining the classic New Zealand invention of the Jet Boat with the kiwi culture of adventure, Shotover Jet has become part of the fabric of what is quintessentially 'New Zealand'. People from all around the world visit Queenstown for three main reasons- scenery, culture and adventure; Shotover Jet combines all of these in a unique and unforgettable way and is for many visitors the highlight of their Queenstown and New Zealand holiday!

With high-performance, V8 twin engine boats designed specifically for our stretch of the river, we take you through our Canyons; riding the rapids and performing thrilling, gravity-defying stunts within a hair’s breadth of the awe-inspiring cliff faces. Our boats are made for speed, travelling at up to 90 kilometres an hour in as little as 10 centimetres of water.

As the home of our ancestors, this place is a part of us. We’re the only ones with access to the spectacular canyons and no one knows this area like we do. Let us welcome you our way, share our stories and take you on an adventure you’ll never forget!

Certain types of vehicles may be permitted at a particular junction whereas others aren’t. This will be shown by a supplementary plate, for example, no U-turn ‘except cyclists’.

In all other places there is no restriction on doing a U-turn unless it would pose undue risk to other road users. This could be because there’s not enough visibility for approaching vehicles (e.g. just over a blind crest or just after a corner).

As the only company permitted to operate within the canyons, the only way to see their beauty and feel their power, is to come on a journey with us, the world's most exciting jet boat ride!

Long vehicles are advised to avoid U-turns because of how the rear of the vehicle tracks in relation to the front, and the detrimental effect on the road’s surface due to scrubbing tyres sideways.

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A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Hold on tight for our famous 360 degree spins!

To do a safe U-turn from the left of the road, indicate left and pull over as far left as possible in a position where you can make the turn without mounting the kerb on the other side; if you can’t make it in one move, you will end up having to do a 3-point turn which exposes you to danger for longer. Check your mirrors and signal right. When it’s safe, do a final check over your shoulder in your blind spot and perform the manoeuvre if you have the time. As you straighten up your steering wheel, check your rear-view mirror and side mirrors to check that another vehicle hasn’t appeared while you are doing the manoeuvre and is expecting to overtake.

If there’s a no U-turn sign, then you are not permitted to do a U-turn. These are most commonly seen at intersections where doing a U-turn would put you in conflict with traffic either coming towards you from straight ahead, or turning into the carriageway from the right.

We are Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land and the proud owners of Shotover Jet. Our connection to Kimiākau (the Shotover River) goes back centuries. Before the arrival of Europeans, our Ngāi Tahu tipuna (ancestors) would use this network of awa (rivers) to gather food, plants and pounamu (greenstone).

Darren has owned several companies in the automotive, advertising and education industries. He has run driving theory educational websites since 2010.

A U-turn is where you turn your vehicle through 180 degrees so that you are facing back from where you came. Turning 180 degrees doesn’t include a handbrake turn. A U-turn will either be:

If you are doing a U-turn at a junction where vehicles can usually turn right, position your vehicle in the left of the right-hand lane to give yourself more room to turn. Be aware of oncoming vehicles or vehicles entering from your right and give way to them.