A recent “near miss” between recreational and commercial jet boats has prompted Queenstown Lakes District Harbourmaster Marty Black to issue a plea to boaties to take care on local rivers.

On Monday, three jetboats ignored verbal warnings and signage to travel up the east branch of the Matukituki River from Lake Wanaka without making contact with the licensed jet boat operator, forcing a commercial jet boat to make an emergency stop to avoid a collision.

Mr Black said the long spell of fine, settled weather had brought recreational boaties out in force and when everyone followed the rules there were no problems.

“The opportunities for people to get out on the lakes and rivers in this district are just fantastic.  Most boaties are being really responsible and we’ve had very few incidents compared with the large number of boats on the water. It’s great to see most people wearing lifejackets.”

Mr Black said some of the rivers, including the Dart, were deceptively tricky for novice boat drivers, particularly during low-flows. This week, a private jetboat sank in the upper reaches of the Dart and another had to be airlifted out by helicopter after being damaged in the same area.

However, the biggest risk related to private boats venturing into areas where commercial operators were licensed to run trips and there were rules and protocols in place to ensure the two didn’t conflict.

“It’s critically important that everyone understands and follows the rules when it comes to taking their jet boats up the rivers. This means making contact with the commercial operators and following the rules that apply to each river,” Mr Black said.

He said the drivers of the private jet boats involved in this week’s incident with commercial operators were likely to be issued with fines.

ENDS

 

Here’s what you need to know about recreational boating access and use on our rivers:

• Upstream traffic gives way to downstream traffic
• All vessels must keep to the right
• Everyone in a boat 6m or under must wear a lifejacket at all times

 

Wakatipu area

• Dart River – all private boaties must visit Dart River Jet’s office in Glenorchy and fill out an intentions form. The company will advise on river conditions and hazards.
• Lower Shotover River from the Kawarau River confluence to Tucker Beach – boaties are advised to check with K Jet at the Frankton Marina 03 409 0000. The river can be as low as 10 cumecs over summer.
• Shotover River from the west end of Tucker Beach to Oxen Bridge Tunnel – this is a restricted area; access is by permit only, there are no exceptions.
• Upper Shotover River from Deep Creek to Skippers Bridge – contact Skippers Canyon Jet, 03 442 9431
• Kawarau River – the 5 knot limit is only uplifted between the lake outlet and the Arrow confluence. Two commercial operators, K Jet and Thunderjet, are licensed to use the river.
  
  

Wanaka Area

• Clutha River – very popular with many kayaks and tubes on the water between the lake outlet to the Albert Town bridge. There is a 5 knot speed restriction from the lake outlet for 2km downstream, then time restrictions 10am – 6pm. Commercial operators are licensed to use the river.
• Hunter River – 5 knot speed limit (uplifted 19 March – 30 April and 1 November – 12 December only). Very popular for fly fishing – boaties must be considerate towards anglers.
• Matukituki River – easy boating in the lower reaches but the East Branch is narrow and difficult. All private boaties must contact Wanaka River Journeys 03 443 4416 before setting off, and monitor communication on channel Wanaka 66 when on the river.
• Makarora / Wilkin River – all private boaties must contact Wilkin River Jet 03 443 8351 and advise their intentions before departure.
  
  

If there is any doubt, please check with the Harbourmaster’s office at the Frankton Marina: 03 442 3445.