A Southland jet boat business is praying the forecasted rain will be enough, after experiencing an enforced, peak-season shutdown for the second year in a row.
Wairaurahiri Jet operators Johan Groters and Joyce Kolk missed out on more than $30,000 of bookings after the water level in Lake Hauroko dropped significantly for the seven weeks between March 16 and early May last year.
The Wairaurahiri River runs from Lake Hauroko near Tuatapere out to Foveaux Strait, but flows during the period became too low to operate safely.
Wairaurahiri Jet and Lake Hauroko Tours business owner Joyce Kolk said she and husband Johan Groters opened two new businesses in December that were going well. The Southern Scenic Jet and Good Mood Food opened up at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and was attracting more tourists to the already popular spot.
