Springfield Jetboat Tours

Ted was nice enough to arrange a jet boat tour for us with one of his neighbors. Apparently more than one farmer in the area has turned to riverboat rides to supplement their income. The jetboat was developed nearby and is ideal for the shallow rivers in the area. The jet even has reversers on it, just like my jet! (below)

Our jetboat ride took us upriver through a gorge and then back again, with the driver turning and weaving at every opportunity. It was a lot of fun, as Manda's expression will attest.

After the jetboat ride we (our family plus the other three tourists signed up that day) retired to the barn where cookies and tea were served. Like any good barn on a farm, this one featured a cat which the children enjoyed chasing, and finally catching.

After tea we went outside to meet a few sheep, up close and personal. Amanda and Scott both took advantage of the chance to feed the sheep. We then watched Hamish demonstrate sheep herding with his sheep dogs. We were amazed at how the dog could gather the sheep up and move them on a very precise course into a pen with just a few commands from Hamish.

The afternoon concluded with a sheep shearing demonstration by Hamish. He first demonstrated shearing with electric shears, then hand shears. We each got to try shearing by hand. Thank you for the marvelous day, Hamish!

Hamish & Springfield Jetboat Tours can be reached at
Hamish Faulkner
Springfield Jets & Tours
Rubicon Farm, Kowai Bush Rd
Springfield, Canterbury
New Zealand
Phone: 03 318-4842

Last revised 4/27/03
URL http://www.flyian.net/family/oworld/jetboat.htm