An amphibious Sealegs boat, believed to be the only one of its kind in Otago and Southland and one of only a handful in the South Island, was in Dunedin this week for servicing.
The boat belonged to a Balclutha-based businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, Read Marine owner Latham Wardhaugh, said. He had owned the 6.1m pleasure craft for a year.
"By all accounts, it is a real head-turner when it approaches the water."
The New Zealand-built boat could reach speeds of more then 70kmh on the water, but travelled at a more sedate 10kmh while on land, although it was not a registered motor vehicle.
It had three wheels, which allowed the boat to be driven into the water, before the wheels were retracted. When the boat approached land, the wheels were lowered.
"You don't need a trailer. It can stay on its wheels the whole time," Mr Wardhaugh said.
However, that convenience came at a price, with the amphibious boat costing 50%-70% more than standard boats.
In 2005, a Sealegs boat smashed the world record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious craft.
