Poker Runs are one of the most popular social events in the jet boating calendar. They combine river adventure with a game of chance: participants collect playing cards at stops along the way, and the best hand at the end of the day wins. It’s less about racing and more about enjoying the rivers, the scenery, and the company of fellow boaties.
This October, the West Coast branch of Jet Boating New Zealand will host Poker Run 2025, inviting boaters from across the region and beyond to experience the Kokatahi and Hokitika Rivers in a fresh way. The event is open to all jetboaters, not just JBNZ members, making it a great chance for new people to join in.
The route will take participants along some of the Coast’s most scenic rivers, framed by the Southern Alps. It’s a setting that perfectly blends jet boating’s adrenaline with a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s wild landscapes.
Another highlight comes later in the day. From 5pm at Kokatahi Community Hall, poker hands will be played, prizes awarded, and stories shared over food and drinks. It’s a chance to relax after the river run, swap tales with mates, and test your luck with the cards you’ve collected.
Beyond the fun on the water, all profits from Poker Run 2025 will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westland, a charity supporting young people in the region through mentoring and guidance. By taking part, boaties know they’re not just enjoying a day out but also giving back to the community.
As one organiser put it, events like these are about “sharing the rivers we love while helping others.”
All jetboaters are welcome, regardless of experience or JBNZ membership. The event is designed to be family-friendly, with a mix of skill, observation, and luck. Safety remains front and centre — participants are expected to wear lifejackets and follow all standard jet boating practices.
Organisers do ask that participants register their intentions ahead of time to help with catering.
For boaties, Poker Runs strike the perfect balance: a good excuse to get out on the water, a touch of competition without the pressure of racing, and a social gathering that feels like the best of the boating community. Add in a West Coast river backdrop and a worthy local cause, and Poker Run 2025 is set to be a highlight of the spring boating season.
If you’re still wondering what to expect, check out a video of the Little Rakaia Boating Club’s 2024 Poker Run on Facebook. It captures the spirit perfectly — boats cruising in convoy, laughter on the banks, and plenty of smiles at the prize giving.
So, whether you’re a seasoned jet boater or just keen for a new kind of day on the river, mark 11 October on your calendar. Pack the lifejackets, bring a good attitude, and get ready for cards, BBQ, and classic Kiwi river fun.
