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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

Offered by Dart River Adventures

From

$306.67 per person

4.8 (574 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

4 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Half-day jet boat trip on the Dart River in Mt Aspiring National Park, with over 2 hours on the water, plus Māori history, wildlife and alpine scenery.

Tour Overview

Travel deep into Mt Aspiring National Park on the original half day wilderness jet boat adventure, following the braided, glacier fed Dart River through a landscape shaped by water, heritage and time. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Area, this trip combines a fast paced ride with time to take in the scale and character of the surrounding wilderness.

Over 2 hours on the river, experienced guides share the stories that give this place its depth. You will hear about the flora and fauna of the area, the history of the land, and the Pounamu, or Greenstone, that made the Dart River an important trading route for Ngāi Tahu ancestors, the early Māori of the region. The journey also traces the marks of early settlers, with stories of farms carved from the rugged landscape.

This is more than a jet boat ride. It is a direct way to experience the Dart River and Mt Aspiring National Park together, with the river itself at the centre of the journey. The combination of wilderness jet boating, local history, Māori legends and alpine river scenery makes this a well rounded half day trip for travellers wanting both action and context in one outing.

What's Included

  • Jet boat ride
  • Round trip transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
  • Use of Life-Jackets (Mandatory) and optional spray jackets
  • Professional Guide

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

If you select a trip with return transport from Queenstown, please check-in with the team inside the Station Building in Queenstown 1 hour 15 minutes prior to your selected trip time.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Dart River Adventures

45 Mull Street, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

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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.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

'Wilderness Jet from Queenstown' - This option includes return transport from Queenstown. Please check-in 1 hour 15 minutes prior to the listed departure time, inside the Station Building, Queenstown. 'Wilderness Jet from Glenorchy' - This option is from Glenorchy. If you make your own way to the Dart River Adventures river base, check-in 15 minutes prior to listed departure time.

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.