First the Aquada, now a quad bike for land and water

The Quadski was designed by a New Zealand-based team.

The Quadski was designed by a New Zealand-based team.

First it was the amphibious sports car, then came the four-wheel-drive that doubled as a boat, and now Alan Gibbs is back with the Quadski - a quad bike which is fit for land and water.

The New Zealand entrepreneur will unveil his latest invention today.

The Quadski is able to reach 72km/h on most terrestrial surfaces and, at the push of a button, on rivers, lakes and the sea.

And while Mr Gibbs will not talk prices when it comes to his "amphibious family" of vehicles, it it understood the Quadski would be significantly cheaper than the $190,000 Aquada sports car.

"This is the next evolution of the great Kiwi farm bike, with a bit more flexibility," he said.

The vehicle is the latest from his London-based company Gibbs Technologies, which boasts of being the only "high-speed amphibian technology specialist".

Mr Gibbs hopes Quadski can "fill a vital gap" for farmers and outdoor workers as well as becoming a popular vehicle for off-road enthusiasts.

"Emergency services and aid workers will be able to reach areas and people no two- or four-wheel-drive vehicle could," he says.

Designed by a New Zealand-based team, the Quadski wheels retract into the vehicle's body and detach from the steering column, making it fit for water-based action in five seconds.

The 140-brake-horsepower engine allows for about two hours' travel time on water and its range on land exceeds 600km. But it is not yet legal for on-road use in most countries.

Mr Gibbs says his company will show two prototypes around the world in the next few months, with a view to licensing and finding a manufacturer.