Shotover Jet Boat

I love Elle's face in this picture. And I think this is a good look for us, don't you?

Justin claims this as one of the craziest things he has ever done in his life. And that's a pretty big statement! I have to concur that it was indeed a very crazy, scary, and thrilling experience. It's been a long time since I have screamed in terror, gasped, or had my heart stop in quite this way.

The Shotover Jet Boat is probably the most famous jet boat experience in New Zealand, so that's the one we chose, although there are hundreds of choices now across New Zealand. Jet Boat tourism is big business. I believe jet boating originated in New Zealand in the 60's, and within years became a huge tourist draw. There is no motor on a jet boat, just an internal propeller that allows the jet boats to operate in as little as 4 inches of water. Although, I swear at times we were skimming across no more than a trickle of water barely covering the rocks beneath.

We got a babysitter to accompany us and watch Liam, and Elle joined us on the boat (they allow ages 3 and over unbelievably). She looked terrified for the first 10 seconds but soon was into the thrill of it. The Shotover Jet boat operates in the Shotover River Canyon which is spectacularly beautiful, but that was really besides the point. We paid our money and put on life jackets and climbed into the boat. Once again, no one had us read any precautions, or sign any release forms. There were no seatbelts or restraints of any kind, just a handlebar in front of you and a picture that illustrated that we were to hold on during 360's.

I had looked into jet boating enough to know that we went really fast down a narrow canyon, and that we would zip along the surface in very shallow water. I also had read that the daredevil drivers do 360 turns and aim the boat at rocks only to turn away at the very last moment. Still, that did not prepare me for what these boats actually do. The drivers literally turned the boat with just a fraction of a second remaining before slamming headfirst or sideways into rockwalls. 360's were done in the smallest of spaces with the backend (where we were seated) ending perilously close to rocky outcroppings. If a head or hand was extended at any time, it would be torn clean off. We would aim directly for water with rocks protrouding out the surface and then somehow glide right over them. It was really an unbelievable ride. And once the fear alleviated a bit, a lot of fun! We all 3 had smiles plastered on our faces when we disembarked.

Not so Liam, apparently he was doing just fine with the sitter, and then on one of our passes by the docking area, he saw us in the boat and immediately freaked out. As if "there goes my family off on a boat without me!" It took him awhile to calm down once we got back. Poor, sweet guy.

It wasn't until after that we Googled "accidents on jet boats" and saw that there have been a few in Queenstown over the past few years. Still, they are rare, and jet boating despite how it feels is remarkably safe. Over 15 million jet boaters and a handful of deaths... Regardless, you do feel on the precipice at times.

Later that night, Justin and I got to have dinner alone downtown Queenstown, which was a nice treat. And Elle has another new favorite babysitter, so hopefully we'll get to do that again. (dinner, not the jet boating;)