FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have a question? Find the answer here.

Why choose Hydro Attack?
Hydro Attack Queenstown is the only place in the world to offer a commercial tour in the Seabreacher X Watercraft. Millions of people have watched youtube videos of this unique craft and now you have the opportunity to take a ride in one and experience the thrill of diving and leaping in Lake Wakatipu for yourself! A ride in Hydro Attack is a one-on-one experience so our professional drivers can adjust your tour to be as mild or as wild as you want. It truly is an experience like no other.

Do I need to book?
Early bookings are highly recommended all year round due to limited spaces available. To avoid disappointment please book early through our booking form online or call us by freephone on 0508 HYDROATTACK (493 762)

How long does the trip last?
Trips are 15 minutes on the water. Please allow 25 minutes for the whole individual shark experience and 1 hour and 15 minutes for the boat trip and shark ride option. Please check-in at our booking kiosk 10 minutes before your departure time.

Is there a minimum age?
Yes, our minimum age is 6 years old and a parent or guardian must check in with the child to sign the consent form if they are under 18. Please remember Hydro Attack is a one-on-one trip so it’s only suitable for kids who are confident away from their parents.

Where do your trips depart from?
Our trips depart from our berth at the Lapsley Butson Wharf, on the Queenstown Lakefront by Earnslaw Park in central Queenstown. Check in at the booking kiosk on the lakefront in front of Patagonia Chocolates.

Where do your trips go?
We’ll start your trip by cruising out of Queenstown Bay. Once we’re past the marker your driver will give you a run down of which operating area you’ll be heading for based on the current lake conditions.

Can I drive?
Currently, we only offer passenger rides. Due to the boat availability and the technicality of the machine’s controls we don’t offer a self-drive option. If you’re interested in purchasing a Seabreacher X from us we do offer Seabreacher training once you have put down a deposit. Conditions apply.

What should I wear?
Due to the cosy confines of the cockpit, it is recommended you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and dress in layers as it can get warm in the cockpit. You also may need to remove your footwear as per the driver’s request.

Will I get wet?
Our inflatable aircraft seal and thick acrylic canopy keep the cockpit protected from the water and the weather. As we are a water-based activity there is the potential at times to get a small bit of spray or damp feet but nothing to worry about. Wet weather gear isn’t required to be worn in the craft, only the streamlined lifejacket we provide.

Is there a weight or height restriction?
Due to the cosy confines of the cockpit, we need to make sure that all our passengers can get in and out of the cockpit quickly and safely in the unlikely event of an emergency. Due to this, there is a height restriction of 192cm (6ft 3’) and a weight restriction of 110kg (242lbs or 17 stone) in place. If you’re over the height or weight restriction we would need you to come down to our operating berth prior to booking so one of our team can assess whether you will be comfortable in the craft. Please contact the Hydro Attack team if you are unsure whether to book or not.

Is my trip weather-dependent?
Yes, Hydro Attack can be weather dependent. Hydro Attack’s operation can be affected by high swell on the lake, heavy rain, or stormy conditions so we ask that you call our freephone number 0508 HYDRO ATTACK (493 7628) to do a weather check at least one hour before your trip departs. If individual shark rides are cancelled you may have the option to swap to the Boat trip and shark ride option.

Can I ride in Hydro Attack if I have an injury?
If you have any specific medical condition including breaks or fractures or you suffer from back or neck problems please advise us at the time of booking so we can assess and advise your suitability to travel. Unfortunately, if you are pregnant or have a serious heart condition we do not recommend that you ride on Hydro attack.

I suffer from motion sickness should I still go on this trip?
In a similar way to a stunt plane, the g-forces and extreme maneuvering possible during an extreme ride in the Seabreacher X can affect people who suffer from acute motion sickness. While this only affects a small number of our passengers we recommend anyone coming out on a trip who wants the full adrenaline experience to avoid eating a large meal less than two hours beforehand. Alternatively, just let your driver know you’re prone to motion sickness and they can adjust the trip accordingly.

How fast can the Hydro Attack Seabreacher X Watercraft go?
The X Model is capable of 43 knots (80 km/h) on the surface and 22 knots (40km/h) under water.

Where can I put my belongings?
We have plastic containers to hold your belongings inside our booking kiosk while you take your trip.

Can my friends or family spectate?
Due to the distance that we operate offshore, it is difficult to watch the individual shark rides from the shore. We do have spectator spots on a space-available basis on the boat trip and shark ride option for $29 for adults and $19 for kids. Enquire at the kiosk.

Can I bring my camera/phone?
Sorry, no loose items can be in your pockets or taken inside the shark during your trip. We provide a secure location to leave your belongings while you’re on your trip. Cameras and bags can be taken on the boat (but not the shark) on the boat trip and shark ride option. There is the option to purchase the footage from your ride. Please talk to the kiosk staff for more info.

Can I cancel my booking?
A full refund will be given with at least 24 hours’ notice prior to your booking. No refunds/changes/transfers with less than 24 hours notice. If you do not show up no refund will be issued.

Why is my booking that I made through a third-party online agent more expensive than your direct price?
Unfortunately as an activity operator, we have limited control over what third-party online agents charge and their terms of conditions allow them to made changes whether we as an operator agree with them or not. For example, Trip Advisor Experiences / Viator recently changed their fees to include an additional fee charged to the customer that now makes the retail rate they are selling our products for more expensive than our standard pricing. This isn’t something we authorised or agree to, we just woke up one day to discover that the change had been implemented. This is despite their claims of no booking fee and a low price guarantee. Unfortunately, if we remove our products from sale on this platform it will strongly affect our listing position for our Trip Advisor reviews which many people use to educate themselves about what we offer.
In most cases, you will always get the best deal and best availability when you support local and go direct.