KEY POINTS:
The Scuba Scuta, a ride-upon underwater "scooter" with its own air supply, will be making a rare New Zealand appearance at next month's Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.
The innovative underwater device looks and performs like something out of a James Bond movie. A sort of cross between a jet ski and a miniature submarine, the Scuba Scuta vaguely resembles a normal scooter - albeit one with no wheels but with a protective dome for the rider's head.
Ridden like a scooter, it can remain submerged for around 1 hours, dive down to 10m and reach a speed of 2.5 knots. Users sit with their heads in the protective dome, which is constantly replenished with breathable air.
The dome has a large viewing port giving 180-degree views of the surrounding marine life and underwater world.
The craft, which have been operating for three years in Bali and on the Great Barrier Reef, are being manufactured in Henderson by Calibre Boats. The company, which has the global marketing and production rights, is manufacturing 100 units from fibreglass moulds.
These will be sent to a chain of 10 international resorts in Malaysia to be hired out to guests by the hour, in the same way that windsurfers and PWCs are offered at other beachfront hotels.
Although Calibre Boats' CEO Olaf van Daal believes the Scuba Scutas will be the next big thing in water sports, they will not be available for sale to the general public in New Zealand.
"At this stage, all our Scuba Scutas and are destined for large export orders."
For those interested in getting a close-up look, the Scuba Scuta will be on the Dive New Zealand stand in Hall 3 at the New Zealand Boat Show, which runs from May 15-18.
