The Jet Boating NZ Mitre 10 National Rally 2024 on the Clutha River near Cromwell proved to be a memorable celebration of precision and community. Twenty-two boats representing five branches took to the water in crisp spring conditions, tackling a series of challenges designed to reward skill and cooperation rather than outright speed. From radio drills to the imaginatively named "Barrels of Fun", each task placed teamwork and finesse at the centre of the competition. Victories were spread across divisions, with experienced boaters and newcomers alike leaving their mark on the day. Heritage boats, family crews, and no shortage of good humour all featured, capturing something genuine about the spirit of Kiwi jet boating.
Jet Boating New Zealand have now confirmed what comes next, building on that momentum.
The Wheel Magician National Rally 2025 will be staged on the Rangitīkei River at Bulls on Saturday 11 October, hosted by JBNZ Central Districts. Entries are open to crews from across the country, with the format placing no premium on horsepower and every premium on precision boat handling and fun. Scrutineering is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with the competition itself running on Saturday. The day concludes with a buffet dinner and prizegiving at the Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North, an evening open to all JBNZ members, their families, and crews.
North Island River Tour 2025
Those keen to extend the adventure have a compelling option. The North Island River Tour runs directly after the rally, from Sunday 12 to Friday 17 October. Presented by JBNZ Central Districts and The Wheel Magician, the tour covers six days on some of the North Island's most celebrated rivers.
The itinerary takes in the dramatic gorges and rocky rapids of the Upper Rangitīkei before opening out onto the broader, more scenic reaches of the Lower Rangitīkei. The Ngaruroro's braided channels, often drawn in comparison to Canterbury's Waimakariri, offer constantly shifting lines and a different kind of challenge. Further along, the historic Manawatū Gorge reveals hidden tributaries, and the journey wraps up on the Ruamahanga River, a gentler passage through farmland and native bush.
The River Tour is as much about the people as the waterways. Relaxed days on the water, shared lunches, and time to absorb the scenery create the conditions for lasting friendships and shared stories. Taken together, the rally and the tour make up a full week's immersion in jet boating at its finest.
