Water activity

Queenstown: Dart River Canoe, Jet Boat & Paradise Day Trip

Activity provider: Dart River Adventures
Water activity

Queenstown: Dart River Canoe, Jet Boat & Paradise Day Trip

Activity provider: Dart River Adventures
Likely to sell out

From US$ 249.48 per person

Likely to sell out

Enjoy a full-day adventure including a 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River within the untamed beauty of UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Courtesy transfers, lunch, and all equipment are included.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 8 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Enjoy a spectacular scenic and hassle-free drive by courtesy coach to Glenorchy
  • Skim the glacier-fed Dart River on a thrilling wilderness jet boat experience
  • Get up-close with nature with a gentle paddle on crystal clear waters
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and wilderness of the land
  • Follow famous backdrops from iconic films on a backroad tour of Paradise Valley
Full description
Combine wilderness jet boating with unique ‘Funyak’ inflatable canoes for a fun way to explore the Dart River located in the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. Your full-day adventure begins with a courtesy transfer to Glenorchy from Queenstown.  Admire lakeside scenery as your local driver shares entertaining commentary about Lake Wakatipu and its legends. The spectacular 46-kilometer drive is considered one of the world’s top 10 scenic drives. Meet your friendly, experienced guides at the Dart River visitor center who will kit you out with all the equipment you’ll need for the day. Enjoy 1-hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating through the clear waters of the Dart River into the Te Waipounamu World Heritage Area and your Funyak launch site.  Start your paddle, soaking in the tranquillity as you float downstream on sparkling water. Explore hidden side streams, rock pools, and dramatic chasms under the expert guidance of your guides. Savor a delicious picnic lunch, which marks the midway point, before continuing downriver. At Paradise, climb aboard the bus for a back-country tour through the valley to Glenorchy. Immerse yourself in scenes and backdrops from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your adventure concludes with your return to Queenstown. 
Includes
  • Courtesy transfers between Queenstown and Glenorchy (departing 1 hour before tour start time)
  • Live commentary
  • Professional, experienced guides
  • All equipment (wetsuit, booties, fleeces, a jacket, life jacket, dry bag)
  • 1-hour Dart River jet boat experience
  • 2.5-hour ‘Funyak' (inflatable canoe) tour experience
  • Picnic lunch included
  • 40-minutes back-country bus tour through Paradise Valley
    Not suitable for
    • Pregnant women
    • People with mobility impairments

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Check-in at the desk inside The Station Building, Queenstown at 8:15 AM. If self-driving to Glenorchy, check-in at 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy at 9:15 AM

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Sunglasses
    • Swimwear
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent

    Know before you go

    • Children must be at least 1-meter tall and 5 years or older
    • Infants (under 5 years) travel free of charge if they are at least 1-meter tall
    • You’re welcome to self-drive and join the experience from Glenorchy - contact the local operator after booking to discuss
    • Picnic Lunch includes a choice of sandwich (chosen at the time of purchase). Please contact the operator if any special dietary requirements should apply.
    • Professional photos are captured during the jet boat experience and are available for purchase on the day
    • You are welcome to bring your camera to capture your own images throughout the day
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    5 /5

    based on 20 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      5/5
    • Transportation
      5/5
    • Service
      5/5
    • Organization
      5/5

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    Star rating:

    Totally awesome day!

    March 28, 2023

    March 6, 2023

    Tour guides and the experience was first class.

    March 4, 2023

    Product ID: 112192