From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip
About This Experience
Explore Mt Aspiring National Park by jet boat and canoe on this full-day wilderness adventure from Queenstown, including a picnic lunch, untouched wilderness, and gentle paddling on pristine rivers.
Highlights
- Full-day wilderness adventure in Mt Aspiring National Park
- Combination of jet boating and Funyak canoeing on the Dart River
- Paddle through remote side streams and untouched native bush
- Immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and wilderness of the land
- Optional scenic return transport from Queenstown to Glenorchy
What's Included
- ✓ Guided jet boat journey on the Dart River
- ✓ Funyak inflatable canoe experience
- ✓ All paddling and safety equipment
- ✓ Wetsuits, lifejackets, booties, thermals, gloves (in winter)
- ✓ Wilderness picnic lunch
- ✓ Professional driver-guides with live commentary
- ✓ Return transport from Queenstown (if option selected)
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Good to Know & Caveats
- There is a minimum number of 8 pax for this experience that must be met. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be moved to the next available departure, offered an alternate experience if available or provided a full refund.
- Children must be at least 1-meter tall and 5 years or older
- Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
- You're welcome to self-drive and join the experience from Glenorchy - please select the option whilst booking
- Buffet-style Lunch includes bread, salads, a selection of meats, sweet slices, and fruit. Please advise the operator if any special dietary requirements should apply.
- You are welcome to bring your camera to capture your own images throughout the day
Not Suitable For
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
If you are making your own way to Glenorchy, please check in with the Dart River team at the river base 15 minutes prior to your booking time, 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 182 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
What a wonderful way to spend a day! Our guide (Matt) and his fellow guides were absolutely fantastic! They made the whole day enjoyable with constant jokes, guidance and knowledge. The lunch provided was beautiful with a range of sandwich meats, cheeses, salads and also fruit and sweets, it was great! To see the landscape from the river was pure magic, I would highly recommend this tour!
— Sharnie, September 12, 2026
Loved this trip. Combo of Canoe and jet boat was perfect. Guides and drivers all great. Highly recommended.
— Tania, July 3, 2026
Definitely worth the money, was abit cloudy but overall experience just as advertised, happy to see where glacier waters flows and how pretty it could be Guide was attentive, our guide is Shell or Shay , thanks to her our family have a good time, big love.
— Zhen, April 14, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the day actually involve?
A scenic drive to Glenorchy, a jet boat run upstream through the braided glacier-fed Dart, then a transfer into Funyaks — stable inflatable canoes — to paddle gently back downstream, exploring side streams and beech forest. A picnic lunch is served at a remote riverside spot in the national park.
Do I need paddling experience?
No. The Funyaks are described as stable inflatable canoes built for backcountry water, the pace is gentle and the paddling is downstream with guides. All paddling and safety equipment is provided, along with wetsuits, life jackets, booties, thermals and gloves in winter.
What is in the lunch, and can dietary needs be met?
A buffet-style spread of bread, salads, a selection of meats, sweet slices and fruit. Tell the operator in advance about any special dietary requirements.
What are the age limits?
Children must be at least five years old and at least one metre tall, and must travel with a paying adult. The trip is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and for people with mobility impairments.
Can I join from Glenorchy instead of Queenstown?
Yes — select that option when booking and check in at the river base, 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy, 15 minutes before your booking time. The departure requires a minimum of eight people.
Other Rides on These Rivers
From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Hydro Attack Shark Ride
Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
