About Alpine Jet Thrills
Alpine Jet Thrills Limited is a privately owned jet boat business operating on the Waimakariri River since 1984.
Alpine Jet Thrills is more than a ride it's an experience. We're a proven leader in the tourism industry in the region, the river's only commercial JetBoat operator and proudly boast the first and only commercial AirBoat operation in New Zealand!
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Our friendly and professional staff are proud to deliver an exhilarating and personal Kiwi experience on the breath-taking Waimakariri River.
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The Waimak as it's affectionately known is likely the most jet boated recreational river in the world, given it's where all the development for Bill Hamilton's 'invention' started back in the late 1950s.
Alpine Jet Thrills is proudly audited under Qualmark™ an independent Government organisation designed to rank tourist businesses. This ensures the highest standards are maintained for your enjoyment and safety
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Fast Facts:
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Maori meaning for Waimakariri - Wai (water) - makariri (cold rushing)
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The Waimakariri River was traditionally used for several access points to the west coast for Pounamu (jade)
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It stretches 126 kilometres - from its source in the rugged Southern Alps winding it's way through steep rock faces, canyon walls and thick native forest, out onto the braided shallows on the Canterbury Plains, before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
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The crystal clear waters of the river often allow sightings of salmon and rainbow/brown trout while the shingle beds in the river are also home to nesting birds.
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As the jet boat was developed in Christchurch it's little wonder our river is likely the most jet boated river in the world and is considered the holy grail of river boating around the globe.