Dart River Jet celebrates 25 years

16 September 2013

Dart River Jet celebrates 25 years

A quarter of a century of pioneering wilderness adventure on one of New Zealand’s most distinctive waterways was celebrated over the weekend in Glenorchy Lodge by Dart River Jet.

They and owners Ngai Tahu Tourism were joined by founders Neil Ross and wife Robyn and a host of former employees from all over New Zealand and Australia.

As part of the reunion festivities, about 40 of the invited guests, including their children, headed up the Dart River to experience the famous jet boat experience as it is now; the culmination of 25 years of passion and innovation.

Pictured here enjoying the famous jet boat slide are [L- R] Alastair Jaspers, Gavin Moffat and driver Geoff Baker.

The family activities were followed by an evening of nostalgia; dinner, drinks and a three-tier cake complete with a fondant Dart Jet boat. With over 150 people present the ‘open mic’ session, where former staff regaled tales and colourful experiences of the past, was a highlight.

Pictured here with the Dart River Jet Cake are [L-R] founders Robyn Ross and Neil Ross, Lorraine Lindsay & Dart River Jet General Manager Clark Scott.

Mr Scott said the day was a huge success and “very inspiring”.

“We feel proud that the vision the Ross’ had – to share the beauty and history of the natural environment from a thrilling jet boat ride – is today still driving the popularity of the Dart River Jet,” he said.

“The business started with a single five-seater Hamilton Jet 141 boat and the enthusiasm of Ross, who was a Gore farmer and a jet boat lover, to becoming one of New Zealand’s most spectacular jet boating experience 25 years on.”

“That’s a massive achievement and it’s been an honour to share that with the people that have made it happen, and those that are still making it happen today,” said Mr Scott.

Dart River Wilderness Jet and Funyaks trips take visitors on the region’s longest jet boat rides into Mt Aspiring National Park, combining breathtaking scenery, exhilarating wilderness jet boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure.

For more information about Dart River Jet Safaris, visit www.dartriver.co.nz

About Ngāi Tahu Tourism:
Ngāi Tahu Tourism is one of New Zealand’s premier tourism operators and the parent company of an extensive portfolio of iconic adventure and eco-tourism businesses.

From high adrenalin thrills to remote and spectacular World Heritage locations each business offers a range of unique experiences for travellers to and around New Zealand.

South Island operations include Shotover Jet, Dart River Jet Safaris and Hollyford Track Guided Walks in Queenstown, and Franz Josef Glacier Guides and Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef.

North Island operations include Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park and a significant investment in the Agrodome in Rotorua and the Hukafalls Jet in Taupo.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is part of the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Group which includes significant seafood and property businesses.

ENDS

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