Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: A Scenic Adventure in Mt Aspiring National Park
4.7
401 Ratings
Glenorchy
Embark on a thrilling jet boat ride through the stunning Mt Aspiring National Park. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, Māori legends, and the rich history of New Zealand.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dart River - 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
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)
  • Professional Guide
  • Use of Life-Jackets (Mandatory) and optional spray jackets
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a genuine New Zealand escapade navigating through the core of the globally acclaimed Mt Aspiring National Park, an impeccably preserved and distinctive realm. This is more than just a jet boating experience, but a blend of activities curated to bond you with the real essence of New Zealand.
Relish 2 hours of stunning landscapes and raw jet boating on intertwined, glacier-fed rivers in this UNESCO World Heritage Area. Our knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with tales about the past, the Greenstone trail and Māori legends from our own Ngai Tahu forefathers. An unforgettable passage through grandiose terrain where folklore, legacy and fantasy align with reality.

Where else can you condense such abundant adventurous exploration into a half-day journey?

  • 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
Location
Dart River Adventures
Mull Street
If you choose to self-drive to Glenorchy, please check-in at the Dart River base in Glenorchy 15 minutes prior to your selected trip time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(401 Ratings)
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Penny_g
May 28, 2024
Awsome - Dean and bus driver were amazing, really informative regarding area. Loved the whole experience………..
Review provided by Viator
Susan_k
May 21, 2024
Perfect Jet Boat tour - 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
Review provided by Viator
241matthews
May 18, 2024
Ready for a high speed exhilarating experience, then this two hour adventure is just for you!! - Running the Dart on a JetBoat was absolutely fantastic!! Our driver was fun, friendly, and an expert driver!! I had the best seat next to the driver. I literally felt like I was in the front seat of a high speed video game!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnd_p
May 18, 2024
Exhilarating, Fun, and Gorgeous - Nice scenery on the drive to the takeoff point. Definitely take their bus as driving the road there can be a bit difficult (several portions are hardly one lane around blind corners!). The ride itself was exhilarating and fun. The scenery was gorgeous. Our boatman was superb.
Review provided by Viator
Ravi_s
Apr 10, 2024
Fantastic experience. It... - Fantastic experience. It was raining and we were skeptical, but it turned out to be an awesome experience with waterfalls and swirling currents we otherwise wouldn't have experienced. The views were amazing. And Dan, our guide was masterful on the boat and extremely friendly. Highly recommend this to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Enriqueaplus9
Apr 7, 2024
Such a great experience - Amazing experience. Daniel our boat driver made the most of the scenery and took the time to show us around this beautiful part of the world. This is a must do whilst in Queenstown and/or surrounding areas. Will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorer657243
Apr 7, 2024
Approachable adrenaline fun! - Was super fun. I went in a bit nervous as I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to these things but I actually loooved the speed and the spins that we did :) The sun was out and the views were stunning. The skipper John was great and made sure we all had a great time while teaching us about the surroundings. Was a highlight of my NZ trip for sure. Make sure you dress warm and bring sunnies ;)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scrumptioussolent
Mar 31, 2024
What a fabulous experience! - We loved our jet boat existence with Pedro today! Just the right balance of spins and speed, topped off with interesting insights about the river itself and history of the local people. We felt exhilarated, yet safe, in Pedro’s hands as he navigated the windy and shallow river over 30 kilometres. We had the opportunity to get out the boat for a short walk and to capture some photos too! Definitely take the recommended extra fleece lined coat provided on arrival as the wind is very strong and cold when you’re powering up the river. You’ll also get a life jacket and a good safety briefing too! Good for all ages - the children on our boat had a blast as did the grandparents! A great two-hour trip, with a lovely 45 minute coach trip to the departure point in Glenorchy. Our coach driver gave us a great commentary on the way so we learnt more about the local area and history. A brilliant half day out - left the pick up point at 8:30 and back by 12:45.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffb
Mar 24, 2024
Our guide was awesome... - Our guide was awesome very friendly and knowledgeable. Alkasy kept us informed on what was happening
Review provided by Viator
Bernard_b
Mar 27, 2024
I believe it’s overrated - The scenery and the 360. The driver was super nice but it was not exilerating! White water rafting beats in hands down. Plus the boats are very old
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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