Jetboating in the South
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Jetboating and Southern New Zealand are synonymous. The rivers and lakes allow visitors to take the ride of their lives in an adrenalin-pumping jetboat while enjoying the stunningly beautiful scenery. Experience the thrill and excitement of this inventive mode of transport, now used extensively all over the world and invented right here in New Zealand.
The numbers shown represent Jetboating locations
 In 1954, the late Sir William(Bill) Hamilton, created the modern waterjet propulsion system - the Hamilton jetboat. From the first waterjet unit 'Quinnat', that Bill tested in a Central Otago River, came a succession of new and improved models, specifically designed for an increasingly diverse range of boats and purposes. These include fast passenger ferries, oil rig crew/supply boats, rescue vessels, patrol and military craft, tourist excursion vessels and recreational craft.
Waterjet units provide a number of technical advantages over other forms of marine propulsion such as excellent manoeuvrability, precise steering control, 360 degree thrusting ability for docking and holding stationary, low drag, shallow draft and no underwater appendages allowing access to shallow rivers and rapids. These advantages make waterjets the preferred propulsion choice and CWF Hamiton and Co. export their waterjet units to over 45 countries and are used in vessels up to 60 metres long.
The waterjet unit also provides a number of advantages that are attractive for recreational and tourist boats. The jetboat utilizes an impeller that draws water up an inlet on the boat and expels it at an incredibly high pressure to provide propulsion. Waterjet units are extremely safe as there is no exposed propeller and can be maintained simply and quickly. It is also quiet, with no hull vibration or torque effect, making a ride in a jetboat very comfortable. The Shotover and Kawarau Jets both use Hamilton waterjet units.
About CWF Hamilton and Co. Limited:
CWF Hamilton and Co. Ltd was formed in 1939 and was based at Irishman Creek Station where the first waterjet unit was developed. One of its subsidiary companies, Hamilton Marine, began designing and producing jetboats with more specialised hulls for river navigation but also produce boats for lake and sea use. Another subsidiary company, Hamilton Engineering, produced industrial equipment, cranes and hydraulics but was discontinued in the late 1970s so the company could concentrate on developing it's waterjet units and boats. Sir William Hamilton's contribution to sports development was recognised with his induction in 1990 into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. In 2003 Hamilton's company, CWF Hamilton and Co. was recognised as New Zealand Engineering Exporter of the Year and 2004 marked the 50th anniversary of waterjet development for CWF Hamilton and Co.
Jetboat operators in the South
SOUTH FIORDLAND
1. HUMPRIDGE JET
Jet boat across Lake Hauroko and on the Wairaurahiri River - steepest (boatable), white water river in New Zealand. Be amongst the beauty of South Fiordland, enter Waitutu Virgin Forest and sense the remoteness of NZ's Southern Coastline. We cater to tramping, fishing, hunting, photography, R&R Booking Agents for Waitutu Lodge situated at the mouth of Wairaurahiri River and Southern Coast. (hot showers available)
* One Day Trip /Two Day Trip - First day, tramp to Port Craig. Second day, to Wairaurahiri River along old tramline, over Percyburn viaduct. Jet boat up Wairaurahiri River.
* Heli-jet - Cross Lake Hauroko, down Wairaurahiri River to the wild south coast. Helicopter to Percyburn Viaduct. Bush B.B.Q.
* Humpridge In a Day - helicopter to Okaka Hut, Humpridge. Scenic walk. See viaducts, jet boating river and lake.
* Jetboat/Floatplane Packages. TRIPS CAN BE CUSTOMISED.
Contact Details
FIORDLAND
2. LUXMORE JET
 Luxmore Jet offers you “the best jetboat ride ever”
Travel down the crystal clear waters of the Upper Waiau River and into the depths of Fiordland National Park a World Heritage Area.
Stop to admire actual Lord of the Rings scenery.
Arrive at Lake Manapouri which is often referred to as “the loveliest of all New Zealand’s many lakes.”
Enjoy a leisurely trip back to Queens Reach stopping to maybe see either brown or rainbow trout in the deep clear pools.
Our courtesy coach will pick you up and return you to your accommodation.
We also offer a Fly and Boat option in conjunction with Wings & Water.
Contact Details
| Owner/Operator: |
Lex and Shirley Mouat |
| Address: |
Manapouri
Fiordland
Southern Lakes
New Zealand |
| Phone: |
+64 3 249 6951 |
| Freephone: |
0800 25 38 26 (New Zealand only) |
| Email: |
info@luxmorejet.co.nz |
| Website:: |
www.luxmorejet.co.nz |
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QUEENSTOWN
 3. SHOTOVER JET
Catch the Canyons with Shotover Jet - the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
You can't beat the thrill of Shotover Jet; it's an adrenaline rush you'll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the Shotover Canyons.
 It's an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, your driver skilfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders. Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, you grip the safety rail for comfort and reassurance and let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spins the boat around in its own boat length and you experience the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360 degree spin! You'll stop briefly along the Shotover River while your driver highlights historical landmarks and points of interest.
Shotover Jet's highly specialized Jet Boats are built here in Queenstown and designed specifically for the Shotover Canyons. The hulls are designed for maximum strength and manoeuvrability, and power is provided by Twin V6 Buick Engines with the Hamilton Jet units thrusting 800 litres of water per second.
 Safety is something we take very seriously, our highly trained drivers know the fast flowing waters of the Shotover River like the back of their hand. Their 'driving hours' far exceed the required minimum standards for carrying passengers.
Operations started on the Shotover River in 1970 and in its first year carried 1,480 passengers. In 2003, the company carried its 2 millionth passenger and is now regularly carrying more than 130,000 passengers each year.
In 2004, Shotover Jet received 2 prestigious awards at the annual New Zealand Tourism Awards, winning the Adventure Activities section and also the major category of New Zealand Visitor Activities and Attractions. These accolades recognise Shotover Jet as a market leader and an iconic New Zealand tourism product.
Shotover Jet, 'the world's most exciting jet boat ride', a must do when in the Queenstown area, 2 major awards in 2004 and 2 million plus passengers must be right!
Reservations essential.
Contact Details
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