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Jet
boating began in New Zealand in 1954 among the small streams and
channels that make the Waimakariri famous the country over for its
difficult technical nature.
With its changing moods and shifting channels your Jet Thrills guide
will show what Jet boating is all about.
The
Jet boat is a unique river craft able to skim over shallow streams
only centimetres deep. Jet Thrills has been showing thousands of
overseas visitors and locals alike this awesome river and just what
a Jet boat can do!
The
Waimakariri runs for 97 Kms across the Canterbury Plains meandering
its way to the sea. It only takes 12 hours to cover this distance
from the Gorge to the sea.
The
Hamilton Jet
Developed by Sir Charles William Feldon Hamilton back in 1954. Bill
wanted a boat that could travel upstream against the flow after
many attempts at various craft he finally was on the right track
with the “Axial flow pump” This pump simply sucked the
water through the bottom of the hull and once pressuerised expelled
the water through the transom at high speed via a small tailpipe.
Steering
was a simple gate system that redirected the flow left or right
by turning the steering wheel.
Power
plants were small by todays standards. 50 hp was considered big,
now 300 plus is easily absorbed by the new generation Jet pumps.
Jet
Thrills is proud of its relationship with Hamilton Jets. Their rugged
construction simplicity of operation and outstanding reliability
make us confident in choosing them first everytime.
Safety
Passenger safety is number 1 in Jet Thrills book. As you can imagine
Jet boating is an adventure sport and recreation for many New Zealanders.
All of our drivers are Maritime Safety approved and are passionate
about Jet boating. Our boats are of the latest design and receive
regular safety audit checks.
Water
is never far away so we provide protective clothing to keep the
elements at bay. Hats, gloves, safety glasses, ponchos and Life
jackets all help to make this an unforgettable experience. We recommend
you wear warm clothing even in summer.
Other
things to note ...
A free shuttle service is available or you can make your own way
out to our base next to the river. Our base is situated at the Challenge
Service Station on the Main North road just 15 minutes north of
Christchurch.
Bookings
are essential to avoid disappointment. Tours depart at the top of
the hour during the summer months and by arrangement for the winter
season.
Cameras
and videos are welcome but we cannot take responsibility for them.
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