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.

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.

Early Hamilton Quinnat WaterJet

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.

New Generation Hamilton HM212 Model WaterJet

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.

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. We operate 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) Click here to view the map.

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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Passenger will receive a full refund if jet boat departure is cancelled due to adverse river/weather conditions. 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. Alpine Jet will contact passengers 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)