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Dart River Jet locals' day raises funds for Glenorchy School

Thursday 3 October 2013, 12:22PM

By Southern Public Relations

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Dart River Jet boat delights guests.
Dart River Jet boat delights guests. Credit: Dart River Jet
 Dart River Jet guests enjoy breathtaking scenery and exciting jet boating
Dart River Jet guests enjoy breathtaking scenery and exciting jet boating Credit: Dart River Jet
Dart River Jet guests enjoy jet boating in the World Heritage area of Mt Aspiring National Park.
Dart River Jet guests enjoy jet boating in the World Heritage area of Mt Aspiring National Park. Credit: Dart River Jet
A guide on a Wilderness trip with Dart River Jet discusses flora and fauna.
A guide on a Wilderness trip with Dart River Jet discusses flora and fauna. Credit: Dart River Jet

Dart River Jet in Glenorchy is inviting locals to experience the awe-inspiring Dart River Valley and spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park on October 19 2013 for its annual locals’ day to raise funds for the local community.

Wakatipu residents are invited to grab friends and family to enjoy the spectacular ‘Wilderness Jet’ or ‘Dart River Funyak’ at significantly reduced prices -- with all funds going to Glenorchy School’s Enviro Project.

The Wilderness Jet includes an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Dart River, informative guided walk through ancient native beech forest and finishes with a back-country coach tour through spectacular scenery.

The Locals Day special will be available for only $85 per adult, with one child accompanying each adult free and $25 per extra child.

The Funyak trip also includes a jet boat ride on the Dart River, an expedition very involved in nature in inflatable ‘Funyak’ canoes, and a delicious wilderness buffet amid spectacular scenery. The Funyak Safari cost is $99 for an adult or child (must be over five years old).

Dart River Jet operations manager Callan Grimmer said the company’s annual locals’ day enabled them to give back to the “small and tight-knit” community and “open up” their surroundings.

“Last year generous locals raised $2,712 for Glenorchy’s Playgroup which enabled them to purchase much-needed outdoor equipment”, said Mr Grimmer.

“Our trip is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most sensational journeys and by coming and experiencing it first hand, locals know they’re helping out a very good cause.”

“While we take plenty of international tourists out to see our stunning national park, we don’t see many locals getting the chance to experience what’s on their back doorstep,” said Mr Grimmer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages who live and work in the Wakatipu to embrace the truly stunning scenery and experience an once-in-a-lifetime wilderness trip.”

“I encourage people to book early as it’s a great price-the same as it was 25 years ago when we first started operating. That’s pretty great value!”

“We chose the Enviro Project as our charity this year because it complements our company philosophy of protecting the environment for future generations and we have a strong emphasis on educating our guests on the local environment.”

Glenorchy School Principle Esther Hamilton said they were “extremely privileged and grateful” to be nominated as this year’s charity.

“The funds raised from the Dart River Jet Locals’ day will give us a huge boost in our fundraising efforts to enhance our outdoor area,” said Ms Hamilton.

“The children are really into gardening and the funds will be used to create raised garden beds and enhance the area to create an inviting, natural place for the children to have lunch.”

“We’ll also install a shaded sand pit for the younger children. The fundraising process is usually lengthy and so the funds will accelerate the work we want to do to provide a better environment for our children,” said Ms Hamilton

Dart River Jet’s trips take visitors on the region’s longest and most sensational jet boat rides into Mt Aspiring National Park, offering a unique combination of breath taking scenery, exhilarating wilderness jet boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure.

The company has been operating for 25 years and recently marked the milestone with a celebration in Glenorchy including a reunion of staff who’ve worked for the company over the years.

“We’re passionate about the area we operate in and want as many people as possible to experience what we see every day; pristine, untouched wilderness less than 40 minutes’ drive from Queenstown,” said Mr Grimmer.

Bookings are essential. Call 0800 327853 or visit www.dartriver.co.nz/locals to book.

*Both trips must be pre-booked and a utilities bill or proof of residence of six months or older provided along with photo identification.

Cancellation day is Sunday 20 October. Children under 5 years, and 1m in height, go free with each paying adult.