Lake ‘sharks' ready to go
A Hydro Attack submersible in Queenstown Bay. Photo: Gregor Richardson
An American Silicon Valley entrepreneur has added what has been billed as "Queenstown's most unique water activity" to his increasing stable of Lake Wakatipu-based businesses.
Iraj Barabi last week settled on Queenstown Bay-based thrill ride "Hydro Attack", the world's first commercial operator of semi-submersible "sharks".
Mr Barabi, who developed Queenstown Marina, has been on an "acquisition binge" to bring more life to the lake for both commuting — hence his purchase of Queenstown Ferries — and watersports.
He said he wanted the resort to become a "watersports capital" to complement its reputation as the world's adventure capital.
Mr Barabi recently bought RealNZ's jetboat company, Queenstown Jet Boat (formerly Thunder Jet), Queenstown Paraflights and Queenstown Boat Charters.
The Hydro Attack attraction will continue to operate from the council-owned Lapsley-Butson wharf, even though Mr Barabi owns the neighbouring Convelle Wharf.
Last month, Hydro Attack Ltd went to the Environment Court to appeal the Queenstown Lakes District Council's decision to refuse consent for a proposed 42m-long wharf accessed from St Omer Park, further along Queenstown Bay.
The council had also declined the company's request to review the reserve management plan for the bay, which does not permit commercial activity on the proposed wharf site.
The company was seeking an alternative wharf after the council increased the rent on its current wharf from $36,000 a year to nearly $120,000.
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