About Us

Discovery Jet is co-owned by Terrace Downs Resort and Four Seasons Safaris, and operates seven days at week from the iconic Rakaia Gorge Bridge. Discovery Jet is completely committed to exceeding customer expectations and with our team of skilled drivers and guides, each Jet Boat excursion is guaranteed to be a memorable experience. Working in one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations and offering the ultimate New Zealand Jet Boat ride, Discovery Jet is an adventure not to be missed! 

Meet the Team!

Shane Johnston

Discovery Jet Managing Director and new Daddy to one very important little man, Shane is a very experienced outdoors man. Shane Johnston has been driving jet boats commercially for over 15 years, his passion for the outdoors has seen him set up and manage a Fishing and Hunting business, Four Season Safari’s, onsite at Terrace Downs.  Four Season Safari’s operates year round offering world class outdoor experiences to guests from every corner of the globe. Shane grew up locally and has an excellent understanding of the environment in which Discovery Jet and Four Season Safari’s operate. His experience in the adventure tourism industry has spanned 4 decades growing up camping at the lakes up in the Rakaia Valley and learning a lot of what he knows from his Father. Shane has travelled extensively around the globe not only hunting and fishing but also as a top ski instructor in the states and also here in NZ. With a passion for pleasing the client in any adventure activity, any trip with Shane is always a thrill and at the same time educational as he passes his knowledge of the area on. Shane extends a warm welcome to everyone thinking about taking a trip on Discovery Jet and hopes you all enjoy and savour the experience that is “Discovery Jet”.

Ric Gorgeson

Experienced and passionate jet boat driver and guide Ric Georgeson started out on the river at just 6 years of age, and was driving solo by age 12.  In his early years, Jet Boating was just a hobby for Ric, his mother was the first woman jet boat owner in New Zealand and the entire family was passionate about the outdoor activity. His father was the nephew of the late Sir William Hamilton, the pioneer of the now world famous Hamilton Jet. After leaving school Ric studied French at Canterbury University and at the University de Pou in France.  On returning to New Zealand Ric completed a trade certificate in engineering at Hamilton Jet and later studied hydraulics and worked as a hydraulics sales person before applying for a position in the marketing division for the Hamilton Jet exports department.  Ric was also appointed to the board of directors of Hamilton Jet in 1990 a position he still holds today. In 1993 Ric left his 9 – 5 job and comfortable salary for a career in tourism. First he was a host and local tour guide at his Kowhai Lodge at Lake Coleridge where he lived for 3 years before selling up. After selling the lodge he bought the Rakaia Gorge Alpine Jet and operated jet boat tours for the next 13 years before merging with Discovery Jet .

Jim Gibson

Jim hails from North Canterbury, a born and bred country boy, it was fate that landed him in his dream role. He began his outdoor life as a youngster and quickly grew to have a fascination for the wild New Zealand backcountry. From a very young age, hunting and fishing took up a lot of his weekends and holidays, when he was also taught to drive boats. When Jim left school he went straight to the highcountry and worked on several farms and stations before heading to Canada to ride the rodeo circuit for a couple of years. Upon leaving Canada Jim flew home for a short stint before heading abroad again this time across the Tasman to Australia. He spent 5 years here working out of helicopters fixing transmission towers all over the country side. As good as it was in Australia Jim knew where he wanted to settle down and came back to NZ. Jim is the proud father of 2 girls and his wife Rhonda runs a horse trekking business at Terrace Downs. A dedicated worker Jim’s driving is excellent and his knowledge of the area sound. Also a hunting guide with Four Seasons Safaris, a tour on the river with Jim is always going to be an entertaining and thrilling experience Jim looks forward to seeing you at the Rakaia Gorge.

Blair Grice

Passionate outdoors enthusiast Blair Grice is the newest member of the discovery Jet team. Blair completed a course in adventure guiding and instructing and has wanted to be involved with adventure tourism ever since. After the completion of his course he moved to the West Coast of the South Island and began working as a Glacier Guide on the Franz Josef Glacier. This was his first taste of guiding clients and he knew that working with people and giving them the opportunity to see the best parts of New Zealand was his passion. Blair was based on the West Coast for well over a year before moving north to the Marlborough Sounds where he worked at a resort setting up and assisting guests with adventure activities. After travelling overseas it became clear to Blair that there is no place in the world that has the beauty and adventure of the Southern Alps and in particular the Rakaia Valley. Outside of being a commercial jet boat driver Blair enjoys playing rugby and also getting into the outdoors whether it is with a rod and rifle or just for a walk with a camera. Blair and the rest of the Discovery Jet team look forward to seeing you and sharing a truly wonderful experience with you on Discovery Jet.