Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Queenstown, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.
- Admire the beauty of Mt. Aspiring National Park from the river
- Learn about unique vegetation and wildlife from your naturalist guide
- Meet in Glenorchy or take advantage of the transfers from Queenstown
- Lifejackets (mandatory) and spray jackets will be provided
What's Included
- Use of Life-Jackets (Mandatory) and optional spray jackets
- Round trip transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
- Jet boat ride
- Professional Guide
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Hear enlightening commentary on the vivid landscapes as your guide provides commentary during the 28-mile (45-kilometer) journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy, a township situated on the edge of UNESCO-listed Mt. Aspiring National Park. This area of exceptional natural beauty has been featured in films such as "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
From Glenorchy, set out on a thrilling jet-boat ride down the Dart River. Hold on tight as the boat turns and spins at high speed. Your driver expertly maneuvers the jet boat through shallow channels and points out natural landmarks along the glacier-fed braided river system.
Your naturalist guide highlights the area’s native flora and fauna while sharing captivating stories of the region’s indigenous Māori inhabitants and early pioneers.
Afterward, enjoy New Zealand’s jaw-dropping South Island scenery with a relaxing journey back to town.
From Glenorchy, set out on a thrilling jet-boat ride down the Dart River. Hold on tight as the boat turns and spins at high speed. Your driver expertly maneuvers the jet boat through shallow channels and points out natural landmarks along the glacier-fed braided river system.
Your naturalist guide highlights the area’s native flora and fauna while sharing captivating stories of the region’s indigenous Māori inhabitants and early pioneers.
Afterward, enjoy New Zealand’s jaw-dropping South Island scenery with a relaxing journey back to town.
1
Dart River Adventures
2
Glenorchy
3
Mount Aspiring National Park
4
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
RubySiganporia
The tour was superbly well managed. The tour guide was efficient in driving and navigating the boat. We felt very comfortable and safe in the seat. The boat went up the river over a good long distance and down in good speed without any rashness of bravado.
Reviews
4.8
based on 586 reviews
RubySiganporia, Mar 2026
The tour was superbly well managed. The tour guide was efficient in driving and navigating the boat. We felt very comfortable and safe in the seat. The boat went up the river over a good long distance and down in good speed without any rashness of bravado.
IRENE_J, Mar 2026
It is wild, fast, and bumpy.. You most likely will get wet. It was an adventure I would not wanna have missed. It is exhilarating!!
Srinivaas_G, Mar 2026
5/5 for the operator. They were very professional with all emails, pickup and planning. The drive to Glenorchy was scenic. 4/5 for the experience. The experience itself wasnt as thrilling as I hoped it to be. It was more of a boat ride with some spins and not too thrilling. Its more family friendly I would say.
Judy_P, Feb 2026
Great experience. Very professionally run. The only negative was our boarding arrangement which involved stepping down wet slippery steps in the earth with no rails.
Pidge, Feb 2026
The 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?
Anthony_A, Feb 2026
My face was sore from smiling! This was so fun and had incredible views. Captain Finn was awesome. I would 100% do it again.
John_O, Feb 2026
Great 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.
Michael_K, Feb 2026
Great 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.
Andy_C, Feb 2026
We travelled almost two hours from Kingston for this trip and whilst we were met with gusty winds and rain in the valley, it was still a great experience. The equipment provided (wet gear) were great and kept us warm. We were offered the opportunity to cancel or reschedule because of the weather but still elected to go and we whilst we were a bit wet, we were not disappointed. Highly recommend.
Raymond_M, Feb 2026
Fantastic tour. Approximately 2 hours in the jet boat speeding up the Dart River. Andy was our driver and he was fun and informative. Plenty of interesting local knowledge mixed in with some humour, which some people got😂 Great morning out.
judith_k, Feb 2026
This was an awesome experience in every aspect. Terrific driver and guide, safe travel, exciting ride on the river!!
PAUL_T, Jan 2026
Loved getting out away from the Queenstown crush and feeling in the middle of the wilderness. Jordan was a great driver and kept the mood light and fun. If it’s windy, be ready for the dust off the rocks!
fishpoi, Dec 2025
So much fun! Much do for sure. You won’t regret it! Amazing views. One of a kind experience. Would do again and again.
Allison_A, Nov 2025
Took my 8 y.o. daughter and 75 y.o. dad. Both loved it. Great tour guide and experience. Beautiful views.
Annie_R, Nov 2025
Beautiful ride down the river. The views are spectacular. Our guide was interesting. I think it's important to know this is a more leisurely experience (lots and lots of time stopped on the banks chatting), versus the wild rides closer to town. We took two senior citizens along and they had no problem boarding the boat and being comfortable. Teens might have been a touch bored. The wind is insane and sunglasses are a must. Life jackets and rain coats were supplied. No problem fitting the heavier seniors. The drive out is easy and pretty, it was simple to find the building and park, and the town itself is cute to explore. We enjoyed it, but did think it was too expensive, specially considering so much time idling.
Theresa_T, Nov 2025
Our 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.
Georgina_C, Oct 2025
Amazing boat ride!!! Very scenic and the driver/guide was very experienced. Thanks Jordan. Staff were great to deal with.
Julie_C, Jul 2025
As a family of 7 we had the best experience from checking in at the station the bus drive to Glenorchy with John and the jet boat with Simon at the helm was fantastic the scenery is spectacular and the commentary with all the drivers was really good to hear - very professional from the get go would thoroughly recommend this experience
Rebecca_H, May 2025
Be sure to wear warm clothing which includes headwear that covers your ears
Great service
Fun experience
Tom_M, Mar 2025
This was an amazing thrill ride experience. Pedro our driver and guide for the trip was very knowledgeable and passionate about the surroundings we were in and passing through explaining all the views to us. It was such a fun trip and all our fellow passengers were excited about the whole experience. This is an opportunity not to miss.
Lynn_B, Mar 2025
Best Jet Boat Ever
Location spectacular
Guide Jimmy was terrific.
Well run company, trip worth every penny
AnneMarie_A, Feb 2025
John our captain was incredible I felt safe and the scenery was dramatic. Such a cool experience on the river
Jonathan_C, Feb 2025
The whole experience in the wilderness was fantastic. Our driver Jarrod did things with a jet boat you wouldn’t have thought possible. A highly recommended tour.
Linda_R, Feb 2025
Fun experience. Definitely get the splash jacket because the way back is chilly if you are wet. Driver Andrew made the route interesting.
Andrea_L, Jan 2025
What fun! And absolutely gorgeous views. The boat drivers are very talented and knowledgeable. It was the perfect account of time on the boat. They offer covers for your face in case there is dust, which I highly recommend you take. Also don't forget sunscreen for your face!
Botond_E, Nov 2024
It was a thrilling experience, totally worth the money! Pedro, our jet boat driver was such an amazing guy, he took good care of us, did some thrilling stunts on the water and gave lots of good info. Would do it again!
Diane_L, Nov 2024
So much fun. Boat driver John was amazing. River was super high. Saw lots along river Waterfalls were spectacular. A trip worth doing.
Karen_N, Jun 2024
Fantastic experience from beginning to end. The coach ride was good & it travels through some amazing scenery as it follows the lakeside to Glenorchy. All the staff we encountered were friendly and professional. The Jet Boat ride itself was a truly amazing experience and made even better by our driver/tour guide Jordan. He was very professional and shared lots of interesting stories throughout the trip. The ride was also thrilling with lots of 360 degrees spins and fast paced racing over the narrow Dart River. We 100% recommended this trip and this company.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Kia Ora Karen,
Thank you so much for the glowing review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed every aspect of your experience, from the scenic coach ride to the exhilarating Jet Boat adventure. It’s wonderful to know that Jordan’s professionalism and storytelling enhanced your trip.
Whether it’s the thrilling 2-hour Wilderness Jet ride or the full-day Funyaking adventure with us, we strive to offer unforgettable experiences. Your 100% recommendation means a lot to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another exciting adventure, whether it’s on the Wilderness Jet or with our Funyaking combo!
nga mihi
The customer experience team
Penny_G, May 2024
Dean and bus driver were amazing, really informative regarding area. Loved the whole experience………..
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Kia Ora,
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience and found Dean and the bus driver informative and engaging. It’s wonderful to know that their insights added to your enjoyment. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another amazing adventure!
Susan_K, May 2024
Fabulous jet boat ride up and down the Dart River; our jet boat driver was so hospitable and provided great commentary; this tour provides both the fast jet boat experience and great scenery and although included were some really fun spins, this was not a thrill ride
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Kia Ora Susan,
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Jet Boat ride on the Dart River. It’s great to know that our driver’s hospitality and commentary enhanced your experience. We aim to balance thrilling spins with the breathtaking scenery, so we’re glad you found the ride both exciting and scenic. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you on another adventure soon!
From $197.47
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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