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New Zealand – Rangitaiki
An Australian perspective
By Matthew Fallow
 On
a recent business trip to New Zealand with an American associate in
tow (Scott), I organised to meet up with the Northern Districts chapter
from the NZJBA. They were spending the weekend at Lake Okataina just
out of Rotorua. This gave me a great opportunity to see what sort
of boats you guys use over in NZ. No two boats were the same, ranging
from a past Rio Balsa champion, large aluminum general purpose hulls
to high performance fiberglass and alloy 13 footers, one even had
a blower and an elaborate fuel injection system. Also of interest
was that some boats had ‘plumbed’ fire extinguisher systems which
can be triggered from the dash!
 Scott
and I were keen for a ride and Northern Districts member George
Walker was very obliging, however George was not going to let
us get away without experiencing white water! So we headed of
towards the east coast and to one of Georges local rivers the
Rangitaiki. George who is very handy with fiberglass ( and in
hot demand amongst jet boaters for his skills), had just finished
rebuilding his 32 to immaculate condition with a considerable
weight reduction. Powered by a Ford V6 (common for the 32 in New
Zealand), the 3.0 litre engine no trouble getting us underway
with four on board. I was fortunate enough to drive the 32 and
must say it had plenty of V8 like punch when we had two on board.
George had increased the V angle and added a planning strake on
each side, this provided for excellent and predictable handling
with little slip when cornering hard. Just perfect for accurate
boat placement and avoiding obstacles.
 This
was to be Scott’s first time in a jet boat! We left the Hydro
Dam and headed up stream for approx 45 minutes, the river was
constantly turning back on itself and could only be described
as the quintessential jet boat river! (an Australian perspective
mind you!). The river was barely wide enough at times for the
little 32 and pristine clarity made visibility just perfect, trout
(and trout fishermen) were abundant. There were many logs and
large lurking boulders to avoid (large amounts of white gel coat
could be seen on the rocks beneath the water).
 Flow
was swift and Georges high degree of skill and local knowledge
was clearly evident as we twisted and turned through the narrow
(and extremely shallow) sections, logs and overhanging trees.
After what seemed like to be endless bends, rapids and beautiful
narrow gorges (one had a cave which we boated into!) we finally
reached our last and biggest rapid. George boated up to the
base of the standing waves and dropped of the plane. The Hamilton
752 jet unit had no trouble holding us against the current
as George decided on the best way through. 3300 rpm and we
soon had the nose raised to prevent being swamped as we literally
climbed up the standing wave rapid to the relatively safe
water above. We where then confronted by an impassable waterfall
and turned for the swift trip back to the ramp.
A great day was had with spectacular scenery, a superb little
jet boat and typical KIWI hospitality. Thanks George.
I’m coming back for more and Scott’s looking for his first
jet boat just as soon as he gets home!
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