The Western Bay’s best known jet boat ride has a new name as part of a major revamp of Longridge Fun Park near Te Puke. The park’s jet boat experience is now the Kaituna Jet, to acknowledge the river used for the rides.
Longridge Fun Park was purchased last May bthe y Graeme and Karen McKenzie, who own Aerius Helicopters. Over the past few months, Graeme, Karen and their team have ‘revised’ the park’s attractions, and renamed it Spring Loaded Fun Park.
The couple say the jet boat ride, now the Kaituna Jet, built for speed and safety, remains a 30- minute thrill ride designed to ‘blow out the cobwebs’. The jaunt begins with a 12 km ride up the river past pristine native bush. ‘Visitors should be prepared for a fast and furious blast back down river – 360 degree spins included!’
The jet boat rides remain priced $95 adults and $45 children, but to encourage families the park is raising its definition of a child from 14 to 16 years-old and under.
The U-drive 4WD vehicles have been re-named Mud Bugs, to reflect the challenging terrain associated with the experience. Graeme and Karen say the Park boasts perfect conditions for an off-road driving experience with dirt tracks, rutted hills and of course the mandatory mud. ‘The Mud Bugs are a load of fun, and drivers can test their skills in complete safety.’
Visitors now have the opportunity to take an Aerius helicopter ride from Spring Loaded Fun Park. ‘The coastal Bay of Plenty can now boast a truly “one-stop” visitor offering. We are proud to invite both local people and visitors from outside the region to spend a day with,’ says Graeme.
The revamped Park promises visitors a wide variety of things to do, not just the full-on adrenalin activities – you can take kiwifruit and farm tours, or simply relax on the café deck overlooking the picturesque country setting.
Spring-Loaded is just south of The Junction, Paengaroa, State Highway 33, tel 533-1515 or freephone 0800-867-386.
