Oldest thrill-seeker in Queenstown gets ride of a lifetime

At 96 years young, Otto Lazar has proven you’re never too old to be a thrillseeker in Queenstown. Mr Lazar, an Austrian who’s been living in Melbourne for the past 60 years, yesterday (18 February) became the oldest passenger Shotover Jet has taken in its 39 years of operation. He pronounced the world’s most exciting jet boat ride “the highlight of my life!”

There on an 18-day tour, this is Mr Lazar’s fourth visit to New Zealand and second visit to Queenstown.

After learning about Mr Lazar’s ride, Shotover Jet General Manager Clark Scott (Scotty) arrived at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside this morning to present him with a few momentos of his trip before he moved on to Milford Sound.

“What a character!” said Scotty. “He’s as sharp as a tack and has a great attitude to life. We’re looking forward to taking him out again - he’ll get a free ride anytime he wants one.”

Mr Lazar’s youthful “go get ‘em” attitude sees him still working as a director of a finance company and doing a big international trip at least once a year. He’s off to Alaska next year but he’s definitely coming back to Queenstown for another go on Shotover Jet.

“It was the best situation I’ve ever been in,” he said. “Once was not enough – I’ll be back for more!”