Twizel-based H2 Explore Ltd has spent the past two years gaining consents to establish the first transport service on the Tasman River and Lake Pukaki.
Serving as both a tourism activity and also a transport option for those using the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, it would be New Zealand's only commercial hovercraft operation, general manager Riaan van der Westhuizen said.
Now the company was looking to raise $250,000 through equity crowdfunding platform PledgeMe, to launch the business.
The funds raised would complete construction of the hovercraft, which would be built by Canterbury business Pacific Hovercraft, establish facilities to start taking cyclists across the Tasman River and give the company the necessary support to launch.
It was hoped to open for business in September next year, in time for the start of the Alps 2 Ocean season, Mr van der Westhuizen said.
While it had been a ''massive task'' to obtain consents, the company now had the sole commercial rights to operate on the Tasman River and Lake Pukaki.
For the next 10 years, no other commercial operation could be established to do any water-based crossings or scenic tours on either the river or lake.
Mr van der Westhuizen believed the potential for the venture was ''quite great'' with more cyclists predicted to use the Alps 2 Ocean trail.
Last year, an estimated 5000 people used the trail and that number was expected to increase to 7500 in 2015. When cyclists got to the Tasman River, they either had to turn back, be picked up by vehicle or take a helicopter ride to get to the other side. The hovercraft provided a different option.
The company would be the first tourist attraction to operate on Lake Pukaki.
The hovercraft would seat 10 passengers, a pilot. and support staff to help with the loading and off-loading of cycles.
There was extremely good support from the local area towards the planned operation, he said.
When it came to seeking funding through PledgeMe, Mr van der Westhuizen said the platform was a bit like H2 Explore Ltd, with ''outside of the box thinking''.
He liked the idea more people getting involved in the company, which brought energy to it.
