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
569 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jet boat experience and great scenery.
646billc,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a 2 hour experience up the Dart River into a Unesco world heritage area. We had good commentary and stops along the way. The jet boat travels along some shallow areas of the river with the driver selecting the route as he is travelling. There is some amazing scenery during the ride. Only 14 people in the boat.
Dart River Jetboating
Elizabeth B,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The jet boating experience far surpassed our expectations. Our driver was very experienced and we felt very safe. It was just so much fun. I would definitely recommend this experience
An Exhilarating Experience You Won’t Soon Forget!
Kim W,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a thrilling and amazing experience. I’d done the driving from Queenstown so hadn’t been able to fully appreciate the scenery on the way to Glenorchy so I really enjoyed the bus ride up to and beyond the town of Paradise. The educational walk in the woods was so peaceful and interesting. Then the thrills began! The ride down the river with our guide Nikki was an amazing experience. So much fun, such breathtaking scenery, on such an incredible river and in an amazing and exhilarating jet boat! So many great memories!
Dart River
BrianCheryl T,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Nikki was a great guide! Lots of fun
Good river views and great drive
RubySiganporia,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was superbly well managed. The tour guide was efficient in driving and navigating the boat. We felt very comfortable and safe in the seat. The boat went up the river over a good long distance and down in good speed without any rashness of bravado.
Fabulous experience!
carronk,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a memorable afternoon, definitely one we'll never forget! We shared our experience from Queenstown with a group of 30 from Israel - we're really not sure if they realised what they had been booked to do as they didn't seem to be the jet boat type (especially the chap with crutches!) They didn't understand they couldn't all go in one boat together so that took some sorting before we had to kit up. It had rained heavily overnight so we had to bus to the river, the mud steps proved challenging for them so we jumped in to help the driver & captain Toby. They asked for the boat to go slower as they had 'neck & back issues' - Toby was an absolute star, so patient & calm with the situation. Anyhow, we sat up front with Toby & had a great time - the views were awesome , the colours of the water, the mountains - untouched & unspoilt. Never been in a jet boat before & loved it! We helped them all out again as we'd have been there for hours if we hadn't! We had such a laugh, well done to all involved as it really was fun!
This is an experience not to be missed.
Sherpa643054,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic experience. Our skipper, Toby, was very informative and a super helmsman. He took time to point out various interesting facts about the river, its changing heights and flow rates.
Wild and safe adventure
IRENE J,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is wild, fast, and bumpy.. You most likely will get wet. It was an adventure I would not wanna have missed. It is exhilarating!!
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
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Operated by Dart River Adventures