Unlocking Shallow Waters Thanks to Inflatable Jet Boats

For hunters and anglers in New Zealand, navigating the country’s rivers and lakes is key to reaching prime deer hunting spots and untouched trout fishing areas. However, when water levels drop during the dry summer months or in the rugged backcountry, accessing these areas with traditional boats can be a challenge.

Fortunately, inflatable jet boats have emerged as a game-changing solution, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to explore shallow rivers and streams with ease.

Unlike conventional boats, which often require deeper water to operate, inflatable jet boats can glide across areas with minimal depth. This makes them perfect for reaching those hard-to-get-to hunting grounds and fishing spots across New Zealand’s stunning wilderness.

How Much Water Does an Inflatable Jet Boat Need?

One of the standout features of an inflatable jet boat is its ability to operate in extremely shallow water. Many models only require 10 to 15 centimetres of water to function effectively. This is a huge advantage over traditional boats, which need at least 60 to 90 centimetres of depth to avoid grounding.

The combination of two critical features makes this possible:

1. Jet Propulsion System

Unlike standard outboard motors with propellers, inflatable jet boats use jet propulsion. A jet drive pulls water from under the boat and expels it forcefully from the back, propelling the boat forward. Since there’s no propeller sticking below the hull, the boat can skim across shallow water without the risk of getting stuck or damaging the motor. This is especially useful when navigating rivers with variable depths, which are common in New Zealand.

2. Inflatable Hull Design

The inflatable pontoons on these boats provide excellent buoyancy, enabling the boat to ride higher in the water. These inflatable sections are made from tough materials, allowing them to absorb bumps and scrapes from rocks or submerged debris without sustaining damage.  Our boats also have an extra layer of armorguard protection along the hull to allow you to litterally skim over rocks in rapids. The lightweight design also helps the boat float with less drag, making it easier to manoeuvre over shallow stretches of river.

Navigating Low Water Levels

New Zealand’s rivers are known for their beauty, but many of them become shallow in summer or are naturally shallow in parts, making navigation tricky. Inflatable jet boats excel in these conditions, allowing anglers and hunters to access remote locations that are out of reach for deeper draft boats.

Summer River Adventures for Deer Hunters

During the dry season, many rivers and streams in regions like Fiordland and the Southern Alps can drop to very low levels. Inflatable jet boats allow hunters to reach areas where sika, red deer, and other game are abundant but difficult to access due to shallow riverbeds. Instead of hiking for days or struggling with a traditional boat, you can glide upstream or cross shallow waters quickly and quietly, making it easier to transport gear and harvested game.

Trout Fishing in Shallow Streams

New Zealand is world-famous for its trout fishing, especially in regions like the North Island's Tongariro River or South Island's Otago and Canterbury regions. Many prime trout spots are found in shallow, crystal-clear rivers. An inflatable jet boat enables anglers to travel up these streams, where larger boats cannot go. This access gives you a better chance of reaching those deep pools and less fished areas where big trout tend to hide.

Sudden Shallows Are No Problem

New Zealand's rivers can be unpredictable. Some sections may suddenly become shallower or have rocky outcrops, especially in areas like the braided rivers of Canterbury. Inflatable jet boats are designed to handle these unexpected shallows with ease. Their shallow draft and flexible construction mean you can keep moving without the risk of getting stuck, even if the riverbed changes beneath you.

Benefits for Hunters & Anglers

For outdoor enthusiasts, an inflatable jet boat offers far more than just convenience—it opens up new possibilities for accessing untouched wilderness.

1. Access to Remote Hunting Grounds

Deer hunters often face the challenge of reaching remote valleys and forests where trophy animals are found. With an inflatable jet boat, you can navigate shallow rivers deep into the backcountry, cutting down on the time and effort needed to access these prime hunting locations. Whether you're after red deer, sika, or wapiti, these boats can help you reach spots where the animals are less pressured by other hunters.

2. Fishing in Shallow Streams

Some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand is found in small, clear rivers and streams that are inaccessible by larger boats. With an inflatable jet boat, you can venture into these shallows, casting into pristine waters where trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout lurk. This gives you a significant advantage over anglers restricted to more accessible, but often overfished, locations.

3. Quiet Navigation for Wildlife Observation

The quiet operation of an inflatable jet boat’s jet propulsion system is perfect for sneaking into areas without disturbing wildlife. Whether you're scouting for deer or simply observing nature, this quiet approach allows you to move through the landscape without alerting animals to your presence.

Explore NZ's Rivers Like Never Before

Inflatable jet boats offer a unique advantage for New Zealand’s deer hunters and trout fishing enthusiasts. Their ability to navigate in just centimetres of water opens up access to areas that are unreachable by traditional boats. Whether you're hunting for red deer in remote valleys or fishing for trophy trout in shallow rivers, these boats give you the freedom to explore with confidence.

Next time you're planning an outdoor adventure in New Zealand, consider taking an inflatable jet boat. It's the ultimate tool for navigating the country’s shallow rivers and reaching those prime hunting and fishing spots that others can’t access.