Shotover Jet relives the gold rush at locals’ day
Celebrating 150 years since gold was discovered on Queenstown’s Shotover River, tourism leader Shotover Jet is giving local kids the chance to ‘strike gold’ as part of its annual locals’ day celebrations.
The iconic jet boat company will host a ‘double celebration’ on November 17 – supporting its local community as well as commemorating the date when shearer Thomas Arthur discovered gold on the beach near Shotover Jet’s Arthur’s Point location.
When Thomas Arthur ‘snuck off’ from shearing at William Rees’ station to prospect for gold on the Shotover River, his historic find saw the Shotover River go on to become known as one of the richest rivers in the world and gave Arthur’s Point its name.
Shotover Jet General Manager Clark Scott said the notable anniversary of the discovery of gold had prompted the company to provide an “added incentive” for locals to come along and experience the world’s most exciting jet boat ride on its locals’ day.
“We’re going to bury an ounce of gold, worth about $2300, on the beach where Arthur made his first find and we’ll open up a gold dig for kids with a mini gold rush theme,” said Mr Scott.
“Whoever digs and finds the gold, gets to keep it. We’re as excited about that as we know the kids will be!
“We wanted to add something extra to this year’s locals’ day and this is just the perfect way to do it while also supporting a great local cause. The discovery of gold at Arthur’s Point is incredibly significant to the development and growth that went on to occur in Queenstown.”
Each year Shotover Jet puts on a locals’ day to say “thanks” to its local community, running jet boat trips at special prices. This year locals can take advantage of $20 adult and $10 child jet boat rides and proceeds will be donated to the Wakatipu High ‘E-xcellerate’ project.
To be eligible to dig for gold, locals 18 years or younger will complete a treasure hunt from clues released the day before (November 16) and return their answers to The Station Building in Queenstown by 1pm on Saturday (November 17). All correct entries will receive a ‘Big Red’ ticket, and 40 will be drawn at 3pm on Locals Day to receive a claim and dig for the ounce of gold and other prizes.
The beach at Shotover Jet will be divided into a grid layout, with each ticket holder assigned a ‘claim’ or grid square, and just one lucky prospector guaranteed to unearth the ounce of gold.
Shotover Jet Locals’ Day - Locals will need to present a utilities bill (dated within six months) and photo ID to access special fares. Ticket sales are cash only. For enquiries phone 0800 SHOTOVER.