jet-boat safaris

Introduction

articles

Franz Josef Glacier

Fox Glacier

Scenic Flights

Southern Alps Passes

Tranz Alpine Express

Oparara Cave

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Shantytown

Wild Foods Festival

Greenstone (Jade)

Glacier Walking

White Water Rafting

Skydiving

Jet-boat Safaris

Okarito Lagoon

Slide into your seat, buckle yourself in, grip the handrail and wait for the adrenalin to flow. Later when the driver says ‘Hold on" respond quickly before he executes a white-knuckle jet-spin.

These simple instructions are all you require to enjoy a uniquely New Zealand experience - jet-boating on the wild West Coast rivers. The jet-boat was invented in the 1960’s by a New Zealand farmer, William Hamilton, as he needed a suitable boat to navigate the shallow, braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains. The aluminium-hulled jet-boats are powered by automotive engines and propelled by a jet of water expelled from the stern.

Glacier Country has outstanding jet-boat safaris on several southern rivers like the Buller, Cascade, Arawhata, Waiatoto, Landsborough and Haast. The mighty Haast is a high volume glacial river that wends its way through 30 km of valleys and gorges. The variety of scenery on the Haast is staggering; snowy mountains, lush rainforests, and gentle streams all within the Mt Aspiring National Park

The Buller Gorge is another unforgettable jet-boat ride, which can be organised from either Greymouth or Westport. An informative commentary outlines the historic and geological features of this fascinating river. See evidence of the hard-won achievements of pioneer settlers, such as the hand-hewn Hawk’s Crag section of the Westport highway, which runs alongside the river.

Marvel at the versatility of jet-boat travel as you power through narrow gorges within metres of sheer rock walls, and plane across shallow shingle beds with mere centimetres of water under the keel. It’s a fun experience - a combination of thrills and wild water that’s sure to be a highlight of your West Coast holiday.