Boaties are being warned to take care on rivers after a near-miss between recreational and commercial jet-boats on the Matukituki River, near Wanaka.
Queenstown Lakes District Harbourmaster Marty Black said the incident occurred last Monday, when a Wanaka River Journeys jet-boat had to make an emergency stop to avoid a collision with three recreational jet-boats.
The three recreational jet-boats had ignored verbal warnings and signage to travel up the east branch of the Matukituki River from Lake Wanaka, without making contact with the licensed jet-boat operator, he said.
The drivers of the three private jet-boats involved in Monday's incident were yet to be spoken to, but were likely to face fines, he said.
Mr Black said the long spell of fine, settled weather had brought recreational boaties out in force, but if everyone followed the rules there would be no problems.
''Most boaties are being really responsible and we've had very few incidents, compared with the large number of boats on the water.''
Some of the rivers, including the Dart, could be ''deceptively tricky'' for novice boaties, particularly during periods of low flows.
The difficulties were highlighted last week when a private jet-boat sank in the upper reaches of the Dart, while another had to be airlifted out by helicopter after being damaged in the same area, he said.
However, the ''biggest risk'' came when private boats ventured into areas where commercial operators were licensed to run trips. There were rules and protocols to ensure the two did not come into conflict, he said.
''It's critically important that everyone understands and follows the rules when it comes to taking their jet-boats up the rivers.
''This means making contact with the commercial operators and following the rules that apply to each river,'' Mr Black said.
Jet-boating river basics
Upstream traffic gives way to downstream traffic.
All vessels must keep to the right.
Everyone in a boat 6m or under must wear a life jacket at all times.
Wakatipu rules
Dart River - Private boaties must visit Dart River Jet's Glenorchy office to fill out intentions form. Company will advise on river conditions and hazards.
Lower Shotover River (Kawarau River confluence to Tucker Beach) - boaties to check with K Jet at Frankton Marina. The river can be as low as 10 cumecs over summer.
Shotover River (west end of Tucker Beach to Oxen Bridge Tunnel) - restricted area; access by permit only.
Upper Shotover River (Deep Creek to Skippers Bridge)- contact Skippers Canyon Jet.
Kawarau River - 5-knot limit except between lake outlet and Arrow confluence. K Jet and Thunderjet licensed to use river.
Wanaka area
Clutha River - popular with kayaks and tubes between lake outlet and Albert Town bridge. 5-knot speed restriction from lake outlet for 2km downstream; time restrictions 10am-6pm. Commercial operators licensed to use river.
Hunter River - 5-knot speed limit except for March 19-April 30 and November 1-December 12. Very popular for fly fishing - boaties must be considerate towards anglers.
Matukituki River - East Branch narrow and difficult. Private boaties must contact Wanaka River Journeys first and monitor channel Wanaka 66 when on river.
Makarora/Wilkin River - private boaties must contact Wilkin River Jet and advise intentions before departure.
