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
553 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Nature and jetboats
Pera B,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip down the river, besides being surrounded by stunning nature, was great fun. Andy is a lovely friendly guy and very knowledgeable.
Go here, With Them
Pidge,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The most beautiful spot on earth, what else do you want to know? O yea, it’s a blast, safe, exhilarating, well run, and great value. Need more?
Must Do!!!
Anthony A,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My face was sore from smiling! This was so fun and had incredible views. Captain Finn was awesome. I would 100% do it again.
Fun, fast and great way to see the sites!
melishore 10,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience riding these jet boats and seeing the incredible sites. Boats go fast and skim along the water so be sure to bundle up and hold on! We had the incredible Nikki who was knowledgeable and truly seemed to love her job.
Best day out - amazing landscape
LornaS49,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic day on the Dart River. Guided by the incredible Anna who looked after us so well and made the experience extra special. Memories to last a lifetime.
Awesome ride
John O,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great adrenalin rush for all. Our driver Andrew was excellent. Great commentary during each stop. Jet boat speed was exhilarating, but felt quite safe as Andrew zoomed by rocks and trees ! Focus on safety was very good. Whole thing was well run from start to finish.
Great trip with Fin
Iain C,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had fantastic ride with Fin. Magnificent scenery, and great fun on the boat. Travelled about 75km, upto 100km per hour.
Great on water experience.
Michael K,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip. Boat driver and experience were wonderful. Prep for trip not real smooth. Got updates from Viator, but they were about timing and not about how to prepare for outing. Had to reach out to operator to get info. They acted as if I should have already received it, which I did not. Just a little inconvenient. Trip itself was great.
Related Experiences
Operated by Dart River Adventures