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‘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
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 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)
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
Reviews
504 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Changing forces of nature
Theresa T,
Nov 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide, Dean, gave a wonderful description of the scenery and the unique properties of the rivers and it was an exciting experience. It gave me an appreciation of the constantly changing forces of nature. Definitely recommend.
Will never forget this day. Thank you!
P2347INkarenb,
Oct 18, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely amazing experience that combined incomprehensible beauty and adrenaline inducing fun. Andy was a fabulous guide. A perfect ending to a perfect two weeks in New Zealand. Thank you!
Best jet boats in nz
scratchykiwi,
Oct 11, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00This is the best jet boat experience we have had….and we have done a few. Our driver Toby was great, the views are spectacular and the ride up the Dart river is thrilling
A great way to see the scenery - and get wet!
CourseMarshall,
Oct 5, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00First class trip with very engaging staff. Had a great trip with Dean as the pilot.Had a great day guys! Thanks very much.
Do this tour, you wont regret it
980tanyab,
Oct 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00This was hands down the best thing I have done, on top of that it was my birthday, so a little bonus. Jordan was great, his driving was next level amazing. Thanks so much for this experience
Amazing trip!!
Georgina C,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing boat ride!!! Very scenic and the driver/guide was very experienced. Thanks Jordan. Staff were great to deal with.
Epic family day out and well worth its money!
R6735PEsaraho,
Sep 29, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00It all started as soon as we met Dean, the most engaging and knowledgable tour guide! The scenery was absoletly breath taking, so much that you wouldn't normally see in a car. The thrill of the jet boating was so much fun. Have done the shotover before and this was so much better! Definetly a highllight of our Queenstown trip!
Rain, hail or snow, it was still awesome!
Trail53289267891,
Sep 28, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00From Olivia taking care of the booking so efficiently to the team checking us in to Jarrod getting us ready to John being such an exceptional host and driver we had the most incredible experience. Despite the weather being rainy, misty and cold, we all enjoyed the experience and John ensured we were comfortable and made the most of it! Thanks team. Highly recommend this to anyone.
Thrilling Ride!
BobKat2,
Sep 25, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00John was our guide and what a thrilling experience. Due to the recent heavy rains, he was able to go further along the Dart River and the waterfalls were incredible. My husband and I loved the spins he would do with the boat and the speed was awesome. There were only 7 of us which made the adventure even better. It was chilly and windy this time of year, but they give you a heavy coat along with the required life jacket. We all brought warm hats but you can purchase them in the shop too. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
The only way to see the Dart
lisaeH5969UW,
Sep 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I can't wait to take my whānau back. Thanks to our incredibly skilled driver Dan who had 10 years of local knowledge and jet boating skill.
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Operated by Dart River Adventures