A Shotover Jet boat with 14 people on board crashed into rocks at a tourist hotspot in Queenstown during the busy school holiday period, leaving five individuals with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including fire crews from Frankton and Queenstown, along with police and ambulance teams, responded to the incident near Arthurs Point after receiving a report at 3:14 pm.St John emergency responders assessed and treated five people, with two transported to Lakes District Hospital.

The parent company of Shotover Jet, Ngāi Tahu Tourism, confirmed all passengers and staff were evaluated by emergency services and stated they are collaborating with authorities to investigate the incident's circumstances.

This incident follows previous accidents on the Shotover River, including a 2021 crash that injured five people and a 2019 incident where 10 individuals were hurt after a commercial boat hit rocks.

The article highlights the ongoing safety concerns for water-based tourism in the region, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and emergency preparedness.