Dart River Jet locals day to raise funds for Paradise Trust re-build

Wakatipu locals can experience the wonders of the Dart River Valley and stunning Mt Aspiring National Park on Saturday 29 November when leading tourism operator Dart River Jet hosts its annual local’s day to raise funds for the local Glenorchy community.

Local residents are invited to grab friends and family to enjoy the world-renowned ‘Dart River Wilderness Jet’ or ‘Dart River Funyak’ at significantly reduced prices -- with all funds going to Glenorchy’s Paradise Trust re-build.

This year the Local’s Day special for the Wilderness Jet is only $60 per adult and $25 per child, while the Funyak trip is $99 for an adult or child.

Proof of 6 months residency is required and locals are those living within the area bounded by Glenorchy, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston and Kingston.

Business manager Clark Scott said the company’s annual local’s day enabled them to “support the community that supports us”.

“Last year through the generosity of local Wakatipians we raised almost $3,000 for Glenorchy School,” said Mr Scott.

“This year the team chose to support the Paradise Trust re-build. Paradise really is a stunning area of natural beauty and the 1800s homestead –which burnt down earlier this year when it was struck by lightning – was an iconic building.”

Paradise Trust manager Damon Groshinski said the trust aimed to preserve and enhance the “unique features of Paradise for the enjoyment and benefit of all visitors”.

Set amongst 300 acres of pure wilderness beauty, the cottages of Paradise have been used for over a hundred years. The funds raised by the local community will go towards building a new lodge –due to open in two years.

“The donations from the Dart River Jet local’s day will greatly assist our efforts to build a new lodge, so once again people can enjoy the splendour of Paradise”, he said.

“We’ve made great progress since the fire in May, moving the old Glenorchy School on-site and opening up four new huts –which were kindly donated by the Glenorchy Campground.

“This has enabled us to generate income again to start the re-build but it’s a slow process.”

Dart River Jet’s trips take visitors on the region’s longest and most sensational jet boat rides into Mt Aspiring National Park, offering a unique combination of breath taking scenery, exhilarating wilderness jet boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure.

“We’re passionate about the area we live and work in and want as many people as possible to experience what we see every day; pristine, untouched wilderness less than 40 minutes’ drive from Queenstown,” said Mr Scott.

Bookings are essential. Call 0800 327 853 or visit www.dartriver.co.nz/locals to book.

*Both trips must be pre-booked and a utilities bill or proof of residence of six months or older provided along with photo identification.

Cancellation day is Sunday 30 November. Children under five years, and over 1m in height, go free with each paying adult.

ENDS

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