Brent
Brent Firmin is Tangata Whenua of the Whanganui River, a direct descendant of the early Maori who made their home on the Whanganui River 1000 years ago. He has 20 years experience driving Jet Boats on the Whanganui River, including many spent working with his late father Ken Firmin. Brent will share stories passed through the generations of his family, as well as those of European settlers, and the steamboats that once navigated these waters.
Claire
Claire grew up in the Orautoha valley on the banks of the Manganui O Te Ao, 20 minutes from Raetihi, and rode horses every day to the local school. After school and holidays were spent working with her beloved dogs and horses on the family farm. She has a special affinity with the area, and has spent much time in and around the Mangapurua and surrounding areas, usually on horseback.
Brent is from the brooding Whanganui River, and Claire from the sparkling Manganui O Te Ao, and just as these two great rivers meet, so have we!
Now together we love to host our visitors to a great time on the Whanganui River - fantastic scenery, great food, good fun, and everlasting memories. There is so much of the Whanganui River that is only accessible by water, and our jet boat is the way to do it!
"Brent and Claire Firmin are a young, motivated couple sharing their dreams with travellers. We are in our 60's and appreciated their relaxed style so that we could enjoy the beautiful Whanganui river. They are birthright to the area and posses deep knowledge of the river history. I also noticed their safety considerations to other users of the river. Although they have done this trip hundreds of times, they made us feel as if it was a 'first and special'."
Reviewed 30 March 2009 Amiria from New Zealand
Have a great day out in a small group with your proud tangata whenua hosts...
Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au - I am the river, the river is me
Please enquire about Group Rates or Boat Charter
