Day 1: Wednesday, October 23rd – Oreti River
The action begins on the first day with two exciting races along the Oreti River, renowned for its winding paths and scenic beauty. The first race will kick off at 9am, where competitors will race upstream over a 62km stretch, starting at Thomsons Crossing and finishing at Lumsden. Racers will be released at 1-minute intervals, meaning every boat’s launch is like a ticking clock. The race is expected to conclude around 11am when the river will be cleared.
But the action doesn’t stop there—at 11:30am, boats will take off for the reverse course, racing downstream back to Thomsons Crossing. While it may sound like the reverse trip would be easier, the downstream flow adds its own set of challenges, demanding exceptional handling and boat control from the racers. The second race is expected to wrap up by 2:30pm, capping off a fast and furious start to the marathon.
The Oreti River has featured in past jet boat marathons and is known for testing the agility of even the most experienced teams. Spectators can expect some close calls and thrilling overtakes along this iconic stretch.
Day 2: Thursday, October 24th – Waiau River
Day 2 takes the competition to the Waiau River for two long-distance races, making it a true test of endurance. The first race will cover 80km upstream, starting at Tuatapere and finishing at Redcliff Creek Confluence. The boats will roar into action at 9am, once again released at 1-minute intervals. By 12noon, the first leg of the day will be complete, and the river will be cleared.
At 12pm, the racers will face the second leg of the day, a reverse journey back down the Waiau River to Tuatapere. The return race is expected to finish by 3pm, capping off a gruelling day for racers. The Waiau is a mighty river, and in previous races, it has been known to push teams to their limits with its strong currents and variable conditions.
Day 3: Friday, October 25th – Mataura River
Friday is set to be one of the most intense days of the marathon, with four races scheduled along the Mataura River. The first race kicks off at 9:30am., where racers will tackle a 43km upstream leg from Steeghs Beach to Ardlussa. As with the previous days, boats will be released in 1-minute intervals. Racing is expected to wrap up by 10:30am, at which point the river will be cleared for the second race of the day.
The second race is a reverse of the first, starting at 11am from Ardlussa and concluding around noon back at Steeghs Beach. After a short break, racers will face the third leg of the day at 1pm, once again travelling upstream along the same 43 km stretch. With barely enough time to catch their breath, the teams will turn around for the fourth race at 2pm, with racing expected to conclude by 3:30pm.
Mataura’s fast flow and tight corners make it an exhilarating but punishing river, and with four back-to-back races, racers will need both speed and stamina to stay in contention.
Day 4: Saturday, October 26th – Oreti River
The final day of the marathon takes racers back to the Oreti River, where four shorter races will decide the champions. Starting at 9am, the first race covers a 40km upstream stretch from Thomsons Crossing to Dipton. Boats will again leave at 1-minute intervals, with the race expected to finish around 10:45am.
The second race starts at 10:45am, reversing the course and bringing boats back to Thomsons Crossing by 12:30pm. After a brief pause, the third race of the day begins at 1pm, once again taking racers upstream to Dipton, followed by the final leg of the marathon, starting at 2:45pm, as the boats rush downstream one last time. The marathon is expected to conclude by 4pm, bringing an end to four days of relentless racing.
The Oreti River has witnessed many a championship battle in previous marathons, and this final day promises to deliver heart-stopping action as racers push their boats—and themselves—to the limit.
Keeping it Clean
An important aspect of this year’s marathon is the emphasis on protecting New Zealand’s waterways. After each day of racing, boats must be cleaned of freshwater pests to ensure the health of the country’s precious ecosystems.
A Race for the Ages
With four days of intense, high-speed competition across Southland’s rivers, the 2024 Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon promises to be a spectacle for fans and a grueling test for racers. From the long, demanding legs on the Waiau River to the fast-paced action along the Oreti and Mataura Rivers, this year’s event will push competitors to their limits. Whether you’re a jet boating enthusiast or a first-time spectator, this is a race you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars, and get ready for some of the most exciting jet boat racing New Zealand has to offer!
