Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour from Queenstown! Travel by coach to Glenorchy, where your adventure begins, and then hop aboard a jet boat and ride up the picturesque Dart River. Speeding through a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, your tour passes the 'Middle-earth' countryside that featured in the popular 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. In a secluded stretch of the river, swap the boat for your own easy-to-handle funyak and then paddle behind your attentive guide before stopping for a picnic lunch in the great outdoors!
No previous canoeing experience is required on this tour, and your guide will paddle at a leisurely pace to suit the group.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum height is 3.3 feet (1 meter)
Minimum age is 5 years
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
Please bring sunscreen and insect repellent
Please dress appropriately: bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes
What To Expect
Discover an untouched world and connect with nature on this action-packed full day journey deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park. If you do only one activity in Queenstown. This is it. Experience the exhilaration of a jet boat ride combined with a leisurely downstream float in our easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks), a unique way to explore hidden side streams and a dramatic chasm inaccessible by other means. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this untouched world at your own pace and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading through Paradise on a 4WD bus journey back to Glenorchy. *No experience required A unique journey combining kayaking with jet boating, nature, and adventure. Includes lunch! An hour of wilderness jet boating and spectacular scenery across the braided, glacier-fed Dart River to your Funyak launch site Professional, friendly guides take you on an inspiring adventure as you gently drift back downstream in your own Funyak. Explore hidden side-streams, rockpools and a dramatic chasm. Learn about the Pounamu (Greenstone) that made the Dart River a key trading route for our Nga-i Tahu ancestors, the early Ma-ori of the area.
Options
Funyaks from Glenorchy
Duration: 6 hours Self-drive to Glenorchy: Self-drive to Glenorchy: Please check-in at our Glenorchy base 15 minutes prior to your booking time (at 9.15am).
Funyaks from Queenstown
Duration: 8 hours Including return transport: IMPORTANT: Return transport, check-in inside the Station Building, Queenstown, 1 hour 15 minutes prior (at 8.15am). Pickup included
What‘s Included
Jet boat ride
Canoe tour
Professional guide
Picnic lunch
Round-trip transport from Queenstown (select from Queenstown option)
Use of equipment: lifejacket, wetsuits and booties, fleece, dry bag
Soft drinks, tea and coffee
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
369 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant
O3742KZnoelc,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant time. Loved the funyaks and the guides were really helpful. Would definitely recommend this adventure
Well done
584belindaf,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect autumn day with nothing but sunshine. Well organized, beautiful scenery, and a tasty lunch. The rockburn was absolutely stunning. Well done jet boat driver Andy, guides Anna, Ross and Matt. Don't fear being cold as the wetsuits and fleece will keep you warm.
Great day
Sharon F,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a huge day but so worth it . Starts in Queenstown and they bus you out to Glenorchy. They kit you up in some warm / wet suit clothing. It was absolutely freezing today but with the right gear you get by. Jet boat and driver was great but I really enjoyed the funyaks . Tour guides were all fantastic.
Scenic, Fun, and Family-Friendly – A Must-Do!
pl0ngeur75,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an unforgettable day doing the Dart River Funyak as a family, and the stunning sunny weather made it even more special. From start to finish, everything was incredibly well organised. The jet boat ride up the Dart River was thrilling and a perfect way to kick things off—our teenagers absolutely loved it. Once we switched to the Funyaks, the pace slowed down in the best way possible. Floating down the crystal-clear river surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Our guides - Anna and Alex - were friendly and knowledgeable. The sunny weather really brought everything to life—the water sparkled, the mountains looked incredible, and it was just perfect conditions for a family adventure. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area—definitely a highlight of our trip!
This is a must do in Glenorchy
Freedom41362413222,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When the weather was looking bad they gave us the option of refund or reschedule. The guide and boat operator Nikki was engaging knowledgeable. We felt comfortable and safe at all times. The stories along the way were good as it wasn't just a ride - we learnt about greenstone and saw lord of the ring locations. The view was friggin amazing! The moddy clouds to the snow capped peaks turned it on for us!
Top experience
voxare,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience - guides were top notch, even in bad weather they made sure we got the best out of the trip, and offered refunds/rebooking if people didn’t want to face the weather. Highly recommend.
Beautiful scenery and amazing experience!
Trek25776976664,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I had such a wonderful experience on the jet boat and funyak adventure! The scenery was so peaceful and our guides made us feel very safe while also providing such a fun time floating down the river. Our favorite part was going through the chasm and taking a dip in the glacial water! The lunch was also even more than we even expected, with a full spread for sandwiches, desserts and hot drinks. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Queenstown area as this was our favorite tour we did!
Best day
Andy V,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will get wet, but you will have the best fun, the staff are amazing and very professional. Gave us the best experience
Wonderful and unique
X6493BCjamesd,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of yhr most unique exoeriences I have had over many years of traveling world wide
Great experience in wonderful scenery
809rupertb,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience - well looked after - only need swimming costume, sun cream, glasses - would advise taking a hat and insect repellent! Jet boat great fun, but really enjoyed funyak and taking time to enjoy amazing scenery. Great team and good lunch stop - lunch all provided. Would definitely recommend.
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Operated by Dart River Adventures