Day 81 - Jet Boating Through Skippers Canyon

Danny was up nice and early and went over to the reception to book the 12:00 jet boating slot. Once Corrie was up we had a nice leisurely morning, choosing to have a quick sandwich before the little bus came to pick us up.

We were driven to a nice lookout point where we could see the Remarkables mountain range and some of the ski resorts which would re-open when winter arrives. We then began the drive along a very long and slightly unnerving stretch of road that had originally been laid during the gold rush period of the 1880’s. Hire vehicles are not insured on this road and for good reason as it is a very narrow, gravelly, and winding road though it is two-way and we did pass other motorists along the way, often having to reverse or let the others back-up so we could pass. This drive took us a while but the guide kept us busy with facts and stories about the road and the history of this place. We eventually turned off down a hill that brought us out by a jetty and cabin where our driver kitted us all out with life jackets. Once all of us were dressed to impress we turned to see the Skippers Canyon Jet boat whizzing towards us before the driver neatly performed a 180 degrees turn bringing the boat snuggly into its bay. Danny was impressed by this and it gave him reason to believe the guy knows what he is doing so it should be a fun trip.

 
Once all seated in the boat we were given a brief run-down of what’s what along with the hand gesture he’d use that meant we’d have to hang on. Then we were off and we could immediately see why it was called a jet boat, skimming over the water extremely quickly even going against the flow of the water. Apparently the boat, once it has set off from about a metre of water, can navigate through waters only four inches deep. The boat was also very agile, a feature which the driver demonstrated on several occasions by getting one end or the other just centimetres from the side walls of the canyon. On one particular bit he kicked the tail end out before whipping the front of the boat round and allowing it the glide sideways under a jutting out slab of rock – this was impressive and made the front passengers duck in unison. A few 360 degree spins were thrown into the mix and some stops in the deeper water to allow us to take in the sights a bit easier. We’d also be given little snippets of info and facts about the river before speeding off again. We eventually made it to the sight of one of the first bungee spots and could view the old bridge from 102 metres below. The bridge is no longer in use as the original bungee firm of A J Hackett soon built a higher bungy to out-do this one. We didn’t feel sorry for the guys who’d owned this jump spot though as they now own this jet boating company.

It was then time to head back to the jetty and this time we really powered downstream at about 85kph getting perilously close to the sides once more; when nearing the jetty the driver pulled the same 180 degrees spin into the bay to end our scenic cruise.

Our bus driver then took us to the top of the bungy bridge so we could walk along it and see the river below on which we’d been not so long ago. We didn’t like the looks of a jump from this bridge, yet the Hackett’s Nevis Bridge jump is 132 metres we think, crazy stuff. We were unfortunate in that a photo we’d had taken whilst in the boat had failed to transfer from memory card and so we had to miss out on that shot though Danny had made an attempt at a pic of the two of us whilst skipping along the rapids.

It was all over too soon and we were making our way back along one of the most dangerous roads in the world until we got back to tarmac and then our camp-site. Danny couldn’t help but notice how the cliff road ran almost the same route as the river just a lot higher up obviously and couldn’t help but wonder who’d win a Top Gear style race between jet boat and rally car…?

This was yet another great outing that we’d both recommend to others.

We gathered some bits from the van and then walked into town as we wanted to purchase some thermals! Yes the temperature is dropping now, especially at night and we think they’re going to be a good investment; Danny also bought another fleece top as he’d become aware that all his recent photos had him wearing the same clothes due to the cooler autumn climate. Don’t worry though as all the items bought were in a sale so the budget could take the blow… though perhaps not the one that was to follow as we somehow booked ourselves onto another excursion tomorrow!

We decided that as this is our last night in Queenstown it would be rude to leave without paying Fergburger one last visit – so we did – and it was good.

On the walk back we happened across a sweet shop that lured Danny right in and once in we could’ve both drooled over the vast plethora of delights on offer for days and days. There was everything you could imagine here sweet wise and it was a real effort to just get a couple of things then go.

Our remarkable willpower was short-lived as we then stumbled across a Cookie Time shop and it was happy hour! Damn this place and its goodness – we had to go in and quickly took up the buy one get one free offer leaving with a hot cookie each. These were the best and we’d finished them off within a minute and went straight back in to purchase two more of the heavenly treats.

Relaxing at the camp-site followed in preparation for an early start tomorrow and we talked over the good times Queenstown had given us.