How many is too many? ….
Jet Boating New Zealand
Representing the interests of jet boaters across nine geographic regions around New Zealand. So what are you waiting for, Join JBNZ Now!
If you've purchased a jet boat, already have one, or just interested in jet boats and helping keep our rivers open- Join Jet Boating New Zealand. You get access to over 2000 members who love to help and provide advice to new members and have great local community support in a region near you. Join online using the sign up link on this page and we will be in touch to tell you more about the benefit
In the upstream Lady Lake Creek video, I said we’d post the downstream run if we got 1,000 likes…
Well, that didn’t quite happen, but I reckon I’ve had nearly 1,000 messages asking for it… most of them from Hamish, the driver of the big Jet Seeker 😂
So here it is!
Check out Hamish heading back downstream through Lady Lake Creek in the big boat.
Does he do a good job?
17/08/2026
Jet Boating New Zealand is saddened to acknowledge the passing of Richard Johnson, one of the pioneers of jet boating in New Zealand.
Richard was the second President of Jet Boating New Zealand, serving from 1964 to 1966. He was also an accomplished competitor, winning the National Rally in both 1968 and 1969.
Richard is understood to have been the last surviving member of a close knit group of early jet boaters affectionately known as the “Tight Five.” The group included Duke Dixon, George Davison, Jock Montgomery, Paul Bush and Richard Johnson. Together, they helped shape the early days of our organisation and the sport we enjoy today.
Richard’s passing marks the end of a very special chapter in New Zealand jet boating history.
The first photograph shows Richard receiving the 1968 National Rally award from Bill Austin, with Bill Hamilton looking on from a few rows back. The second shows Richard as the winner of the 1969 National Rally on the Waimakariri River.
On behalf of Jet Boating New Zealand and our members past and present, we extend our sincere condolences to Richard’s family and friends.
Thank you, Richard, for the part you played in our history.
Butt Cheeks and Super Tramp.
Two classic Jet 44s doing what they were built to do.
These old school jet boats take some real skill to drive. No fancy technology. Just the driver, the boat and the river.
Plenty of character, plenty of noise, and a whole lot of fun.
There’s something pretty special about seeing two classics like these still out there getting used.
This will cheer up your Monday blues! 😎
Some people call him Hammer Down Hamish, and it’s not hard to see why! Watch him swing the big LS and Southern jet LTD powered Jetseeker Alloy Boats around Lady Lake Creek!
Make sure the sound is turned up! 🔊💨
1000+ likes and we will post the downstream run which really shows how good these boats go!!
Southern Jet of North America
Not too often a Hamilton Jet 141a gets to take a helicopter ride! The Ahaura Helicopters Limited Bell Longranger doing the job to get the boat back to the trailer.
It’s Friday.
The week has probably been busy, but don’t forget to slow down for a moment. Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the little things that make life great.
Where are you hoping to point the bow this weekend?
04/08/2026
Every river trip tells a story, and every river run logged helps protect the future of jet boating in New Zealand.
When councils and other authorities review speed upliftings, river access, or resource consents, they’re increasingly asking one simple question:
“How many people actually use this river?”
If we can’t answer that with real data, it becomes much harder to justify keeping our rivers open for recreational jet boating. In some cases, decisions are even made without considering jet boaters at all.
That’s why the JBNZ River Run Log is so important.
It only takes a minute to record where you boated, when you were there, and roughly how many boats and people attended. You don’t even have to include your name, but every single entry helps build the evidence that our rivers are being used and enjoyed by New Zealand jet boaters. The more data we have, the stronger our voice becomes when we’re advocating for river access and speed upliftings.
Whether it’s a club run or just a Sunday mission with a couple of mates, please take a moment to log your trip.
Every run counts. Every log strengthens our future.
Log your next river run here:
https://www.jbnz.co.nz/river-run-logs
Sometimes it’s not the colour of the boat that gets you through… it’s the right foot.
Then again, everyone knows the red ones are faster… don’t they? 😉
When the river starts throwing a few challenges your way, sometimes a little more loud pedal is exactly what’s needed. Read the water, pick your line, commit to it, and enjoy every second.
Nothing beats a day out exploring New Zealand’s incredible rivers. Hope you all had a great safe weekend out on the rivers!
Sometimes it’s not the colour of the boat that gets you through… it’s the right foot.
Then again, everyone knows the red ones are faster… don’t they? 😉
When the river starts throwing a few challenges your way, sometimes a little more loud pedal is exactly what’s needed. Read the water, pick your line, commit to it, and enjoy every second.
Nothing beats a day out exploring New Zealand’s incredible rivers. Hope you all had a great safe weekend out on the rivers!
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