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 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
583 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it
susiemF8183IB,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip highly recommend . Good driver interesting history of area .
Top of the to do list
Scenic50340192132,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Not to be missed when in the area.
Positive Experience
X7931CKmikec,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on the Wilderness Experience excursion. Our group went on a speed boat (Shot-over Jet) and trekked up the Dart River. The spectacular views were in abundance and the thrill seekers were delighted. I would definitely recommend this activity for people who are interested in exploring the wilderness.
So much fun!
Sonya P,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend this well run and completely fun trip. Our captain was Nikki and she was an absolute star. A perfect combination of epic river navigation, stunning scenery and facinating commentary.
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 !!
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Operated by Dart River Adventures