Spirit of the River Jet owners Claire and Brent Firmin chose an appropriate name for their Whanganui business – summing up one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful rivers, and a very spirited approach to Māori tourism.

The Firmin’s founded a business offering jet boat, canoeing, biking and hiking tours. They also cater for international group bookings and tourists seeking a gentler sight-seeing experience. Their business is extended into the community, with marae hosting over-night stays, and cultural experiences. On occasion, family members have welcomed guests into their homes for over-night stays. And a selection of waka tours have been introduced into the suite of tourism experiences Spirit of the River Jet offer.

Claire and Brent say their business is a “combined love”. Spirit of the River Jet joins their shared passions for the outdoors and the Whanganui River. It was also a shared love for their neighbouring rivers the sparkling Manganui O te Ao and the brooding Whanganui, and a clear desire to set up a business locally, that made their friendship blossom into something more. Brent says he won his girl when he “took her up the river – and that was it”.

In the seven years since establishing “Spirit” as a tourism operator, together they have founded a business and a family starting with three-year old Thomas, and Claire’s four older children – Matt, Charlotte, Ben and Hannah.

“Brent was involved in jet-boating for around 25 years through his parent’s business,” says Claire. Before jet boating, Brent was a butcher, and Claire was an accountant’s PA in the Whanganui township. They had previously owned their own individual businesses, and managed businesses for others.

Both agree they always wanted to “be our own bosses”, and the rewards and successes have been earned. The typical business day can be long Claire says, with plenty of tasks “for us in the background”. There is baking to be done, bookings to be made, a boat to clean at the end of a day on the river, and equipment to check and ready for the next day.

But like the Whanganui River, Brent and Claire’s continued passion for their business has them set up for 2012 and ahead.

“Being involved has helped us to formalise our thoughts and ideas which makes it easier to plan,” says Claire. “The networking and other ideas our MBFS account manager and mentors bring, help us to broaden our horizons and think of new possibilities. Introducing us to Poutama Trust has enabled us to lift our business to another level, making growth more attainable.”

In 2012, the Firmin’s will continue to promote their bike tours, acknowledging increased demand thanks to the national cycle trail Nga Haerenga. Already a selection of packages have been added to the website for the Mountains to the Sea Cycle Trail, and the Firmins readily agree their family connections and relationships in the region are invaluable when it comes to providing quality packages and experiences.

Brent sums up the passion, spirit and energy he and Claire share for their business and home-base: “The love of the river – it was how it should be shared, passions should be shared.” We never wanted to be the biggest – just the best.