Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Immerse yourself in an authentic New Zealand adventure as you journey deep into the heart of world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, a truly unique and untouched world. This is not just a jet boat ride, but a combination of activities designed to connect you with the real New Zealand.
Experience 2 hours of breath-taking scenery and wilderness jet boating on braided, glacier-red rivers in this UNESCO World Heritage Area. Our experienced guides add a personal touch with stories about the history, the Greenstone trail and Māori legends from our own Ngai Tahu ancestors. An unmissable journey through spectacular scenery where mythology, heritage & fantasy meet reality.
Where else can you pack so much into a half day of adventure and exploration?
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately and wear a warm outer layer (Extra layers on colder days)
Minimum child age 3 years old and minimum height of 3’3.5’’(1 meter) applies irrespective of child’s age
Life jackets are mandatory and supplied along with optional spray jackets
It is recommended that you wear comfortable, supportive close-toed shoes
What To Expect
Journey deep into the heart of world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. The ultimate, original half day Wilderness Jet boat adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride as we take you deep into Mt Aspiring National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Area. An unmissable journey through spectacular scenery where mythology, heritage & fantasy meet reality. Where else can you pack so much into a half day of adventure and exploration? Your trip: 2 hours of wilderness jet boating and spectacular scenery across the braided, glacier-fed Dart River Learn about flora, fauna & history of the land Learn about the Pounamu (Greenstone) that made the Dart River a key trading route for our Ngāi Tahu ancestors, the early Maori of the area Hear tales of rich farms carved from the rugged landscape by early settlers
Options
Wilderness Jet from Queenstown
Duration: 4 hours Including Return Transport: IMPORTANT: Return transport, check-in inside the Station Building, Queenstown, 1 hour 15 minutes prior to your booking time. Pickup included
Wilderness Jet from Glenorchy
Duration: 2 hours Self-drive to Glenorchy: Please check-in at the Glenorchy base 15 minutes prior to your booking time (45 Mull Street, Glenorchy)
What‘s Included
Comfortable Return transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
Safety briefing and all required safety equipment, including life jackets
Guided interpretation of the region’s wildlife, landscape, and Māori heritage
Wilderness Jet boat ride on the Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park
Spray jackets for comfort on the water
Professional and knowledgeable local guide providing commentary
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
590 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
A2980KEhelenc,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb host driver so much info and fun. It would be good if the way onto and off the boat was easier with a hand rail or post to hold onto apart from the host. A really great trip out.
An Amazing Experience
Safari47172586047,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was overwhelmed by how welcomed I was by the staff and the friendly vibe they gave off they made every customer interaction a pleasure and is only over shadowed by their actual 2-hour Jet boat Safari up the dart river which was visually stunning and my jet boat driver Josh was the star of the show safely taking us up and down the river and entertaining us the whole journey.
Full day Jetboat and Funyaks experience.
lisarY8158RC,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day out. A bus ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy to meet up with our tour guides for the best day of adventure and beautiful scenery. First up was the jetboat ride and it was fantastic, lots of spins too. We canoed for a while and stopped for a lovely lunch at Rockburn Chasm and what a surprise that was. The water is crystal clear and so blue, it was stunning. More canoeing after lunch and to meet our bus for the return to Glenorchy and then Queenstown. We had an amazing day. Don’t hesitate to book through Dart River Adventures they are fantastic. Special mention to Anna and Ross who looked after us all day.
Best value for money for any NZ tourist trip
209ChrisR,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Driver Nikki was expert,funny & knowledgeable. She gave remarkable insights into Ngai Tahu's history in the area. 10/10
Beautiful magical scenery and great driver
cbX5417ZU,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful day for the tour and the views of the mountains was spectacular
Fun filled jet boat ride.
giselecdn,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent fast paced jet boat ride. The guide (Nicky) was very well informed.
Such a fun day!
rachelmC196YQ,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a fun day! The bus ride from Queenstown was 1 hour on a clean bus with a nice and knowledgeable driver. The safety briefing and explanation was straight forward and accurate. The dart boat was SOO fun!! I could've done that all day. Ed was a great driver. But the canoe experience was phenomenal. We had such a good time with our guide Alex who made us feel safe and we had a blast. Lunch was tasty in a beautiful scenic location. All in all i'd totally recommend!
Worth it
susiemF8183IB,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip highly recommend . Good driver interesting history of area .
Top of the to do list
Scenic50340192132,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Not to be missed when in the area.
Positive Experience
X7931CKmikec,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on the Wilderness Experience excursion. Our group went on a speed boat (Shot-over Jet) and trekked up the Dart River. The spectacular views were in abundance and the thrill seekers were delighted. I would definitely recommend this activity for people who are interested in exploring the wilderness.
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Operated by Dart River Adventures