Jet boating began in New Zealand in 1954 among the small streams and channels of the Waimakariri, a river famous throughout the country, for its difficult technical nature, changing moods and shifting channels. The Waimakariri River starts in the Southern Alps and meanders for 126 kilometres all the way to the sea. In a jet boat it only takes 3 hours to cover this distance. This unique river craft is able to skim over shallow streams only centimetres deep and turn in its own length – also known as the 360ᵒ spin.
Since 1984 Jet Thrills’ skilled MSA qualified drivers have been showing thousands of overseas visitors and locals alike just what a jet boat can do!
The Hamilton Jet
Early Hamilton Quinnat WaterJet
New Generation HJ212 WaterJet
The Jet Boat was developed by Sir Charles William Feldon Hamilton back in 1954. Bill wanted a boat that could travel upstream against the flow of the water. 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 pressurised 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. Jet boating from then became an adventure sport and recreation for many New Zealanders.
Power plants were small by todays’ standards; back then 50HP was considered big, now 300HP 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 every time.
Safety
Passenger safety is Number One in Jet Thrills book. All of our drivers are Qualmark and Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) approved, have had years of experience jet boating and are passionate about jet boats. Our boats are of the latest design and receive regular safety audit checks. A safety briefing is given at the commencement of all tours.
We provide compulsory Life jackets. Hats, gloves, and spray protectors are also available. We recommend you wear warm clothing as conditions can been cold even in summer.
Other things to note…
Departure Point: Is at the jet boat ramp which is situated under the Highway 1 Bridge in the Waimakariri Regional Park, corner of Main North Road and Wrights Road, Clarkville, Christchurch. Once in the park turn into Hamilton Quay and continue around to the right until you get to the launching ramp. GPS location: S43.41239 E172.64792 just 15 minutes north of Christchurch. Click here to view the map.
We operate 7 days a week, conditions being suitable (closed Christmas Day and Easter Sunday).
A minimum of 2 adult passengers are required for tours to commence.
Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
Bring Sunglasses, Sunblock, Jacket, Cameras are welcome but we cannot take responsibility for them.
CANCELLATION POLICY
100% refund if cancellation is due to weather or river conditions not being suitable. Alternatively jet boat departure can be re-scheduled for any other suitable day of departure. Please note that less than 1% of scheduled jet boat departures are cancelled due to adverse river/weather conditions. We will contact passengers (or please contact us if unsure) at 8am on day of schedule tour departure if adverse river/weather conditions prevent jet boat departure (please supply contact phone number, hotel room number or other means of contact when booking your tour). Should you not turn up only 50% of your payment will be refunded unless you have made contact with us within a reasonable time prior to your departure.