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The image shows an aerial view of a blue jet boat labeled "hukafalls JET" making a sharp turn near a cluster of green trees that extend out into the water. The boat leaves a large white wake as it navigates the bend, creating a striking contrast against
Home » About » Electric Jet Boat

A NEW ERA OF SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION

As one of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators, Ngāi Tahu Tourism has completed the conversion of one of its petrol-powered jet boats to 100 percent electric.

Moving towards a more sustainable future

Ngāi Tahu has been very clear about our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our businesses. This is the kind of innovation that is going to help us achieve our goal of a more sustainable future, for us and our children after us - mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei. 

This is an exciting step in our journey towards a more sustainable tourism model and we are thrilled to be working with Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority again.

Reducing the carbon emissions footprint of our jet boat fleet makes a lot of sense, with our focus being on finding ways to make the biggest possible impact as we head towards our goal of being carbon zero.

Once the testing of the Electric Jet Boat prototype completed, Ngāi Tahu Tourism will look to introduce the technology into their jet boat fleet. 

 

Video not working? Click here to view the electric jet boat in action.

For media enquires please contact nicki.tipa@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

The Electric Jet Boat Project

With the development of the electric jet boat prototype, we move forward into a new era of sustainability and innovation.  

Key dates: 

  • 2019 - The Electric Jet Boat Project starts, with planning and initial fabrication. 
  • Retro fitted T3, which was a previous petrol commercial boat at Shotover Jet.
  • Project goes into hibernation for an 18 month period with the disruptions of COVID-19.
  • Electric Jetboat project restarted September 2021  
  • Many of the components are common to petrol and electric boats, eg water jet units
  • The four main components that form the electrical side are battery packs, battery management system, power delivery and electric motors. 
  • 2022 - The Electric Jet Boat moves on site at Shotover Jet workshop for the final fit out.
  • Initial water testing on Whakatipu Wai-māori (Lake Wakatipu) in Glenorchy in May 2022.
  • River testing on Kimiākau in May 22.