Queenstown’s pioneering thrill-seeking adventure tourism experience Shotover Jet has clocked six decades of adventure on the renowned Shotover River.

From its roots as a pioneering jet boat operation to becoming the only company permitted to navigate the dramatic Shotover River canyons Shotover Jet has carried more than 4.6 million passengers since its first commercial ride in 1965.

At the heart of this year’s 60^th celebration is a documentary tracing the company’s journey from humble beginnings to an internationally recognised icon today owned by South Island iwi Ngāi Tahu. The documentary is screening throughout October on board Air New Zealand via the Tiaki Channel.

 The documentary explores the cultural and historical significance of the Kimiākau Awa (river) where Shotover Jet operates and highlights how the iwi maintains its ancestral connection to the river. It is screening throughout October on board Air New Zealand via the Tiaki Channel.

 “Shotover Jet was our first tourism purchase and the foundation of our evolution as Ngāi Tahu Tourism. It’s one of those experiences you remember forever – and a powerful platform to share who the iwi is with the world,” says general manager of Ngāi Tahu Tourism Jolanda Cave.

Shotover Jet was launched by brothers Harold and Alan Melhop in 1965 and later sold to Herm Palmer before being purchased by Trevor and Heather Gamble who sold the business to Jim and Karen Boult. In 1999 Ngāi Tahu became the company’s majority shareholder eventually acquiring full ownership in 2004. 

“The Ngāi Tahu dream has always been to be the primary proprietors of our own history. The acquisition of the Shotover Group enabled us to have command over our own heritage. At that time, we were very interested in tourism and wanted to be active participants but faced heavy opposition from elements within the industry. The opportunity to acquire the Shotover Group from Jim Boult allowed us to open the door.”

“Our focus was really on acquiring a platform in the industry to tell our own story of our own heritage in our space. It’s one of the big steps we made as an iwi following our Settlement and we should continue to cherish it.”

Tā Tipene O’Regan, ONZ CRSNZ – Ngāi Tahu Rangatira