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
579 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great combination
TerahF3,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great combination of fun on the jet boat and chill on the kayaks as well as seeing a cool geological feature and information, made for great pictures. Nice way to see Glenorchy off the beaten path. Company was well organized and provided effective gear to keep us warm and dry!
Must do half day experience
CourtneyCarson,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must do experience from Queenstown. A jet boat tour experience is thrilling and just an incredible way to see the amazing scenery that is the South Island of New Zealand!
Brilliant
M727BZmarka,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant experience with a great driver! Unmissable.
Changing Experience Last Minute, Jordan was great!
SJD941,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We had this booked through a travel operator, who told us it would be a 2 hour jet boat experience. When we got there on the day we were told by quite a rude receptionist that due to staffing issues, they had changed our trip so a 1.5 hour jet boat experience and a walk round a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We left Glenorchy on a bus and it took about 30 minutes to get to this "World Heritage Site" which was just us standing in a Forest, while the guide pointed out a couple of trees. It was basically just to pass the time until the jet boat got up to us. When we finally got onto the boat Jordan took us around the river and was a great guide and driver, cant fault him at all. But the 1.5 hour trip finished after just 1 hour, so we'd paid for a two hour trip and only got 1 hour. We were given a partial refund as an apology.
Great experience
G1617HIdavids,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. What a fantastic way to see NZ
WOW on WATER
Happiness258136,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hang on to your ...hat and everything else too! So much fun, drivers know the river well and safety is #1 but fun and squeals from wife and friends are the best !! Who knew 5 inches of water could be so much fun ? Oh yea !!
Don’t miss this adventure!
TikaandRanger,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous! We were on the newest boat…840hp..wow! Jimmy was our driver & gave us a thrilling ride putting the boat thru its paces. And of course, the brilliant scenery. Very comfortable seating. Wear the splash coat….you’ll need it!
Great experience 👍
F1118QXrachelc,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiul weather. Absolutely loved every minute of it. Thank you 😊
Stunning views in the middle of nowhere
a3r0naut,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exploring the Dart by Jetboat is a lot of fun. You really get into the middle of nowhere with stunning views everywhere you look. Friendly drivers and interesting commentary too.
Best experience on water ever.
Happiness13484300756,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the best trip we have ever had anywhere 😃. Our tour leader, Andy was informative, fun and attentive to our needs. We will be recommending this trip as a must do in Aotearoa. The scenery is amazing and the jet boat thrilling. We are from Auckland and are elderly and had no problems.
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Operated by Dart River Adventures