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
575 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
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
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