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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
What‘s Included
Jet boat ride
Round trip transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
Use of Life-Jackets (Mandatory) and optional spray jackets
Professional Guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
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)
Reviews
565 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant
Sarah P,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant experience and a fantastic way to see some amazing scenery. A real mustdo adventure
An exhilarating experience
Stephen D,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great afternoon, well organised and great fun. We boarded upstream because of strong southerly winds on the lake. We travelled up two of the rivers. The speed and 360 turns was great. We did pause for some education on our environment and the boat jet engine. Highly recommended
Awesome experience
Mobile06124557939,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nikki was an excellent guide and an even beter jet boat driver!
Great! Must do!
329petrap,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing expiriance!
A grand 4+ hours!!
Bonotabl,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not only is the jet boat and exciting adventure, its educational amid the grandparents of New Zealand s South Island. Highly recommend..if concerned, safe and comfortable!
Dart jet boat
paulcZ7649FX,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent jet boat ride across the lake and up the Dart river. My wife was a bit apprehensive before but absolutely loved it as did I.
Not very thrilling, more family friendly experience
Srinivaas G,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.005/5 for the operator. They were very professional with all emails, pickup and planning. The drive to Glenorchy was scenic. 4/5 for the experience. The experience itself wasnt as thrilling as I hoped it to be. It was more of a boat ride with some spins and not too thrilling. Its more family friendly I would say.
Well run, exciting experience
Judy P,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great experience. Very professionally run. The only negative was our boarding arrangement which involved stepping down wet slippery steps in the earth with no rails.
Fun jet boat tour through epic scenery
T2100OEchrish,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and informative experience through epic scenery. Incredibly well organized from the bus from Queenstown to Glenorchy and then the jet tour itself. Worth the expense!
Must do activity in NZ
KTMAUREEN,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible trip. It was fun, informative and the scenery was stunning. It was well organised and is a must do activity in NZ. Well worth the money.
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Operated by Dart River Adventures