More Than Just A Ride

from Issue 1012 - Friday 5th November 2021

Mother Of All Protests

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 • Screened/Crushed Rotten Rock • Compacts Like Concrete • Bulk Deliveries - Truck & Trailer • Lifestyle Driveways - Free Quotes commercial market. This has • Rotten Rock Dairy Lanes 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 Introducing Jet Boat World

wet stones rather than the major funding to date, Jet Boat World has primarily been for the 100mm of water expected for a jet boat. New Zealand’s first pleasure of local jet boaters, corporate clients and others who and only airboat was passed for service by Maritime New pass through Hamish Faulkner’s Zealand, last October. farm which is run by his son Based at both ends of the Locky and himself.” Waimakariri River, the two Paul’s On Saturday, November 6th, and their wives Robyn and there is an Open Day being held. Lynda continued with plans to This is not an official opening as display some of the world’s Jet Boat World is a work in oldest jet boats and develop a progress, but it’s a chance for the concept that Alpine Jet Thrills Selwyn community to see what’s was more than just a ride. happening locally. Thus, Springfield Adventure Park There will be boats on display was born and with it Jet Boat as well as several winning World, which is New Zealand’s race boats from the recent ITM only dedicated jet boat heritage NZ Jet Boat Marathon, including display located right opposite John Derry’s helicopter gas the beach, where much of the turbine engine powered development happened back in machine, capable of more than the late 50s and 60s. 235kph. So head along and for a Trustees Paul Mullan, Paul great day out, which will include Vernel and Ed Wicken some special deals on offer. said, “Jet Boat World Trust was established to protect the See advertisement in this history of jet boating, its issue for more details. historic artifacts and promote an educational forum to better understand the contribution New Zealand has made to jet propulsion globally. Without • AP20 • AP40 • AP65 • Drainage • Erosion • Landscape