A jet-boat which flipped near Lake Tekapo on Monday, injuring four people, was driven in a river braid which was too shallow, police say.
The jet-boat was travelling downstream on the Macaulay River, about 1km from the head of the lake, when it flipped once, landing upright in a shallow section of the river.
The four occupants, all in their 20s, were thrown from the boat. The alarm was raised by the occupants of another boat. Two of the injured were flown to Christchurch Hospital.
There were three jet-boats on the private trip, and some of the occupants were believed to be university students.
It is understood the jet-boat and driver came from the Hakataramea Valley, while the other three were from the South Island. Maritime New Zealand is investigating the crash.
