Friday 5th November 2021
Page 5
MORE THAN JUST A RIDE Local business, Alpine Jet Thrills is more than just a ride, it’s a true experience. In response to Covid-19 in March 2020, after coming out from Lockdown and realising the world was going to be very different, owners Paul Mullan and Paul Vernel made the fundamental decision to press on without cruise ship passengers, which had been integral to their business. Their business focus was on surviving in a climate not conducive to international tourism, by leaning toward areas such as corporate and educational. In addition, one of the directors had been building an air boat with the prospect of introducing it to the commercial market. This has been well received and an important part of turning to a local market, which is generally more ambivalent about a jet boat ride in the ‘home of jet boating’. Most people have not been on an air boat and certainly not on the Waimakariri River. The sensation is different to jet boating, akin to skimming over
wet stones rather than the 100mm of water expected for a jet boat. New Zealand’s first and only airboat was passed for service by Maritime New Zealand, last October. Based at both ends of the Waimakariri River, the two Paul’s and their wives Robyn and Lynda continued with plans to display some of the world’s oldest jet boats and develop a concept that Alpine Jet Thrills was more than just a ride. Thus, Springfield Adventure Park was born and with it Jet Boat World, which is New Zealand’s only dedicated jet boat heritage display located right opposite the beach, where much of the development happened back in the late 50s and 60s. Trustees Paul Mullan, Paul Vernel and Ed Wicken said, “Jet Boat World Trust was established to protect the history of jet boating, its historic artifacts and promote an educational forum to better understand the contribution New Zealand has made to jet propulsion globally. Without
major funding to date, Jet Boat World has primarily been for the pleasure of local jet boaters, corporate clients and others who pass through Hamish Faulkner’s farm which is run by his son Locky and himself.” On Saturday, November 6th, there is an Open Day being held. This is not an official opening as Jet Boat World is a work in progress, but it’s a chance for the Selwyn community to see what’s happening locally. There will be boats on display as well as several winning race boats from the recent ITM NZ Jet Boat Marathon, including John Derry’s helicopter gas turbine engine powered machine, capable of more than 235kph. So head along and for a great day out, which will include some special deals on offer.
• Screened/Crushed Rotten Rock • Compacts Like Concrete • Bulk Deliveries - Truck & Trailer • Lifestyle Driveways - Free
Quotes
• Rotten Rock Dairy Lanes
See advertisement in this issue for more details.
Introducing Jet Boat World The Bill Hamilton story that rivals Burt Munro
OPEN DAY Saturday 6th Nov 9am - 4:30pm
The new air boat being introduced to the market.
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Jet Boat World - $10 adults
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Jet Boat & Air Boat rides from $20*
(Kids under 16 free)
*$35 adults - $20 kids, minimum 5 guests)
• AP20 • AP40 • AP65 • Drainage • Erosion • Landscape
