South Island

Home / TourPage 6

Alpine Jet Thrills Jetboat and Airboat Trips –

Waimakariri River Christchurch and Springfield

 

 NZ’s first AirBoat has arrived on Canterbury’s Waimakariri River

Experience a real American Everglades AirBoat right here in Christchurch

It’s the only commercial Airboat in New Zealand!

Come and experience the sensation of skimming over river wet river stones in a genuine American style Airboat in Air Force 2. 
 
An Airboat is a flat-bottomed watercraft propelled by an aircraft-type propeller and powered by  automotive engine.
 
‘Gentle Ben’ was an iconic 60’s program about a little boy Mark and his pet Brown Bear Ben in the Florida Everglades that made Airboats a household name the world over. Now you can experience the rush of air and thrill of ‘flying over water (and land) propelled by an aeroplane propeller rather than a boat propeller.

Take a 20 minute Airblast in Air Force 2 our specially designed Airboat designed for New Zealand’s shingle riverbeds. Skim over shallow water that even leaves seasoned jet boaters amazed.

Experience, excitement, scenery, and commentary, with Alpine Jet Thrills on the Waimakariri River. This diverse river runs from the mountains to the sea and Alpine Jet Thrills have a departure point at both ends.

We offer the ride of a lifetime in this modified airboat that will take passengers in places where even jet boats can’t go.

 

Jetboat or Airblast the the Braided Shallows on the Waimakariri River

Air Blast

 

Departs from the Waimakariri Regional Park just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Enjoy spins and speed in the shallow braided section of this amazing river.

Air Blast

Without a doubt, more than a ride! Air Force 2 is New Zealand’s first commercial passenger AirBoat, and this is where you can experience a true USA style AirBoat as you skim over wet stones that will leave even the most seasoned jet boaters speechless!

Price: $80 Adult – $60 Child ex river
Duration: 20 mins Departure: 9.30am

Need a little more time skimming wet stones?
Book an extended experience!

Price: $120 Adult – $80 Child ex river
Duration: 30 mins Departure: By arrangement

Air Blast + Lunch at Melton Estate

 

We offer an exclusive AirBoat experience in collaboration with Melton Estate Winery – leaving from our Braided Shallows site near Christchurch and dining at West Melton over the Summer Thursday to Sunday – 20 minute AirBoat blast and three-course lunch.

Price: $155 pp
Duration: 20 mins  …and a long lunch!
Departure: 10.30 (Thu – Sun)
(ex Braided Shallows CHC – min 2 guests)


 

Jet Boat the Braided Shallows on the Waimakariri River

Departs from the Waimakariri Regional Park just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Enjoy spins and speed in the shallow braided section of this amazing river.

Braided Blast

Price: $80 per person – Child $60 pp
Departs: 10:00 am
Duration: 20 minutes

Jet boating for 20 minutes in the Braided Shallows of the Waimakariri, one of New Zealand’s most challenging and exciting rivers. Discover the thrills that only jet boating can deliver – skim the shallows, spin in your own length, and feel the Hamilton Jets’ power. Our exceptionally qualified and knowledgeable drivers, as well as our purpose-built boats, are thoroughly maintained. Nobody knows the Waimakariri better than ‘Alpine Jet Thrills’!


 

 Jet Trek

Price: $160 per person – Child $140 pp
Departs: Call us (0800 26 36 26 )
Duration: 80 minutes

Experience ‘Horsepower’ from 1 to 300! The ‘Jet Trek’ combines an easy 60 minute horseback ride through farm land and river bed tracks with 20 minutes of jet boating adventure, in our 300HP Hamilton Jet boats on the Braided Shallows of the Waimakariri River. ‘Alpine Jet Thrills’ and ‘Waimak River Horse Treks’ combine their talents to allow this fun tour.

Heli Jet

Price: $385 per person – Child $365 pp
Departs:  Call us (0800 26 36 26 )
Duration: allow 60 minutes for this experience

A minimum of 4 adults required for this package

The ultimate adventure begins with a quick flight from Garden City Helicopters’ base to the banks of the Waimakariri River, where you will be greeted by your driving guide for a 20-minute Braided Blast up the Waimakariri’s Braided Shallows in the Alpine Jet Thrills’ Hamilton Jet boat.

Once back on firm ground, it’s time to board your scenic helicopter for the second half of your journey over Christchurch City and back to base. Flight duration is 15 minutes.
This package requires a minimum of two adults.

 

 

Canyon Safaris Springfield Departure Point

Experience Hamilton’s world-famous jet spins as our jet boats whisk you down into the roaring Waimakariri canyon through the Southern Alps’ foothills! The greatest jet boating experience in Christchurch!

Travel through crystal clear waters and take in vistas of the magnificent Southern Alps, where waterfalls meet the river – this Canyon Safaris jet boating trip is the perfect blend of scenery and adventure! Take in the breathtaking alpine landscape around the Waimakariri River and HOLD ON! as the jet boat embarks on an exhilarating voyage through low water and rapids, through cliff faces and shingle banks.

We provide tour alternatives to fit your schedule, budget, and sense of adventure – a perfect blend of landscape and adventure!

 

Canyon Safari

Price: $145 per person – Child $115 pp
Departs: 12:00 pm midday
Duration: 60 minutes

A minimum of 4 adults required for this package

For 60 minutes, you’ll learn how unique this slice of paradise truly is. Without vehicles or dwellings, the only way to enjoy this unique region of the globe is via jet boat. A extended commentary demonstrates mother nature’s might and provides amazing photo opportunities of gushing waterfalls and historic pioneer tramping cabins.

Wilderness Safari

Price: $260 per person – Child $200 pp
Departs:  9:30 am or  1:30 pm
Duration:  2 Hours

Your two-hour journey deep into the Waimakariri Canyon will whisk you away to another universe. It’s a fascinating history and interesting education in the region’s tremendous geology and its significance to the surrounding area that provides for an exhilarating jet boating trip that includes a chance to stop and roam around in the Canyon – a world apart from everyday life.

 
 

 

Thrilling Hamilton Jet Spins or Armchair Airboat Cruising

 

Phone:  0800 26 36 26                            Email: [email protected]

Visit our website:  www.alpinejetthrills.com/

              Return to Christchurch page