Summer is usually considered a time to get the boat out, but residents will need to start paying special attention to where exactly they’ll be allowed to indulge in the pastime. As of December 1, powered crafts on the Clutha River, between the Wānaka Outlet and the Albert Town Bridge, will be prohibited as an effort to maintain water safety. 

Powered crafts qualifies as anything with a motor, such as boats and jet skis. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) harbourmaster Marty Black says the particular spot is popular in summer and “with so many people in the water it would be dangerous for powered river craft to be using the same space at the same time. This prohibition makes the situation safer for everyone.” Boats that are authorised by resource consent, such as commercial operations, are still allowed to operate in the area. The section of river downstream from Albert Town bridge has a full uplifting, removing the usual five-knot speed restriction, however boat users are warned to be considerate of others in the water. To insure compliance, Black and his team will be regularly patrolling the area, as well as installation of a camera to the boat ramp at the Albert Town Bridge. The same restriction was also implemented last summer after formal consultation in 2017 that saw the bylaw passed. This restriction will be in place until April 30, 2020.