Kawarau Jet company director Andrew Brinsley said the drivers took to the Kawarau River yesterday morning to help get their confidence back up before commercial trips began.
Among the group on the river before commercial trips resumed was the driver of the jet-boat which apparently hit a sand bar at the confluence of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers about 2.45pm on Thursday.
The boat flipped and threw the driver and 21 of his Chinese passengers into the river.
The body of one woman, said to be in her mid-40s, was recovered from the upturned boat about 90 minutes after emergency services arrived at the scene.
Mr Brinsley said yesterday he was impressed by the driver's tenacity.
"He had his uniform on and was in the workshop at 8am [yesterday].
"I came into town [yesterday] morning with another one of the guys and said 'it wouldn't surprise me if he never wanted to drive again'. But he was there, he was really strong and it was encouraging.
"Every day's a bit better, but he has had an amazing amount of support from everyone."
The driver had not been stood down or suspended, but was "taking things quietly at a pace that he's comfortable with and on his terms".
The man was not taking passengers at present.
Also helping the jet-boat drivers was fellow Kawarau Jet director Shaun Kelly, who had over 20 years' experience driving and had been on hand to support the drivers and build up their confidence, he said.
Mr Brinsley said there had been an "amazing" support for all members of the Kawarau Jet staff from the Queenstown community.
Maritime New Zealand and Queenstown Police were continuing their investigations into the incident.
MNZ met Mr Brinsley on Saturday. He said the agency expected to be back in Queenstown within the next fortnight to continue interviews.
While there was no firm timeframe for investigations to be completed, Mr Brinsley said there had already been changes made at Kawarau Jet.
"We've changed a few things through Maritime New Zealand's recommendations in relation to radio calls on the river and have amended our safe operating plan, and that's been approved by [Queenstown Lakes District Council] harbourmaster [Marty Black]."
Mr Brinsley said it might appear to be business as usual for the company, but their thoughts were still with the family of the deceased.
"We're in one situation, but there's a family of a Chinese visitor in another.
"It's interesting. You get so much support around what we're having to deal with, but of course there's a family out there and we're continuing to think of them."
Queenstown police could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
