Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$321
per adult
Dart River Adventures
Dart River Adventures
Dart River Adventures
4.5
Nature & Wildlife ToursSpeed Boats ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
Jet boating and Funyaking. Join us - the only operator on the Dart River - for a diverse adventure from Queenstown to the frontier township of Glenorchy at the head of mighty Lake Wakatipu. Into the pristine Dart River Valley and the spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park. Here you’ll explore little known areas inaccessible by other means and discover a unique and dramatic environment rich in both natural and cultural heritage and legend. If there is one Queenstown experience that delivers the diversity and essence of what is 'New Zealand' - it is without doubt a trip with Dart River Adventures. Explore this awe-inspiring 'UNESCO World Heritage' area with the full or half day option that suits you best and experience 'New Zealand's Most Sensational Journey.'
Tours and Tickets by Dart River Adventures
Jet Boat Hire
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$440
per adult
Travellers talk about
(550 reviews)
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4.5
2,607 reviews
Excellent
2,113
Very good
325
Average
72
Poor
38
Terrible
59
Andrea K
47 contributions
Had a great trip on the Dart river! It’s such a beautiful spot although in Spring the water levels are low and so the funyaks need a haul upstream and the sandflies will attempt to nibble any exposed bits! The jet boat was fun and they made sure you are suitably geared up in wet suits, boots, waterproofs and fleeces. Just wear a swimsuit underneath. I didn’t swim as it’s very cold water despite looking inviting but the other half gave it a go - he didn’t last long!! Decent food at lunch although the vegan party member just had a bread roll and little cake - just an option of a salad sandwich which was poor and thought there might be some soup as described previously. It didn’t detract much from the overall experience though. It was lovely to paddle on that glorious blue water listening to the birds and seeing that amazing scenery. Thanks to the hard working guides! Slept well afterwards 🤣
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerrie C
3 contributions
Highly recommend this tour. Big shout out to Erin who was our guide. Her chilled vibe and relaxed demeanour added to our experience.
We have small children 5 and 7. I will say that the jet boat ride was too long for them. They enjoyed it for a while but it did feel like it went for a loooong time for us. This is not a criticism to the company though as we were informed of the length of the ride. Just incase others have children that age, be prepared for a long windy ride. Jimmy was our jet boat driver. We felt safe and he was clearly extremely capable and experienced.
Once we began the funyak paddle back down the river we had 2 kayaks tied together (I think due to having small kids?) which is where Erin became our guide. I’m so glad she was assigned to us because she was easy to talk to and gave clear instructions :) We had a feeling some of the other guides may not have been as personable or as easy to chat to.
They gave out kids a small paddle to use and they loved “helping” paddle and steer.
The scenery is obviously incredible. The paddle into the chasm was beautiful and lunch was top notch.
The clothing supplied was more than enough to keep us warm. (Even the children). We went in November and had a clear sunny day but quite windy.
100% would recommend.
We have small children 5 and 7. I will say that the jet boat ride was too long for them. They enjoyed it for a while but it did feel like it went for a loooong time for us. This is not a criticism to the company though as we were informed of the length of the ride. Just incase others have children that age, be prepared for a long windy ride. Jimmy was our jet boat driver. We felt safe and he was clearly extremely capable and experienced.
Once we began the funyak paddle back down the river we had 2 kayaks tied together (I think due to having small kids?) which is where Erin became our guide. I’m so glad she was assigned to us because she was easy to talk to and gave clear instructions :) We had a feeling some of the other guides may not have been as personable or as easy to chat to.
They gave out kids a small paddle to use and they loved “helping” paddle and steer.
The scenery is obviously incredible. The paddle into the chasm was beautiful and lunch was top notch.
The clothing supplied was more than enough to keep us warm. (Even the children). We went in November and had a clear sunny day but quite windy.
100% would recommend.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosie
Stuttgart, Germany18 contributions
Absolute recommendation! If you visit Queenstown and you want to spend some time outside and see the landscapes, this is where you should go. The staff is very professional and friendly, and they do absolutely everything so that you can have a stunning experience. The gear they provide is top.
We first took a ride on the jet boat to the starting point of the Funjaks Tour. After that we paddled down the river in small groups. We saw some very beautiful landscapes, had a decent lunch, could even go for a swim in the river and came back in the afternoon with a lot of good memories.
Thank you Alisha and Ellie for a great day!
We first took a ride on the jet boat to the starting point of the Funjaks Tour. After that we paddled down the river in small groups. We saw some very beautiful landscapes, had a decent lunch, could even go for a swim in the river and came back in the afternoon with a lot of good memories.
Thank you Alisha and Ellie for a great day!
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DublinJaney
DUblin21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
An amazing adventure. John our driver was a really nice guy and full of information about the local area! The trip was thrilling and the views were amazing! It can be cold on the river but we were given long warm splash coats and face coverings and so we were very comfortable! Well worth a trip!
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We had the most incredible experience with Dart River Adventures! The staff were so professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The picnic lunch was very tasty and the views were breathtaking and need to be seen to be believed! Highly recommend!! 11/10!
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stuart
Horsham, UK4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
John, was a great driver and host on the boat mixing thrills, history and geography along the route. The 2 plus hrs flew by. This trip was something to remember, one of the best I’ve been on.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel V
San Diego, CA12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had an absolutely lovely day funyaking with our guides JJ and Matt! The weather was perfect - could not have asked for a better day (sunny with a light wind). It was really poop weather yesterday, but Dart River Adventures nicely contacted me yesterday and asked if I would like to reschedule or get a refund - I'm really glad I gave myself one more day in Glenorchy and was able to reschedule until today.
Both JJ and Matt were extremely nice and very informative. I especially liked the karakia that JJ gave before we entered the river on the funyaks and Matt's informative talk about the invasive mammal predators and Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust. Thank you for the lovely day!
Both JJ and Matt were extremely nice and very informative. I especially liked the karakia that JJ gave before we entered the river on the funyaks and Matt's informative talk about the invasive mammal predators and Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust. Thank you for the lovely day!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephfrog
Brisbane, Australia30 contributions
Awesome trip! From the bus ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy which was spectacular and interesting facts shared by our driver James. To the speed boat up the Dart River complete with spins. And the best part being in nature, walking through ancient forest and onto our FunYals to explore canyon then down the river easily paddling with the current. We had snow tge day we went but the team ensured we were warm with extra fleeces, soup and tea as well at the base camp. Awesome work Andreas, JJ and Nina. Thanks for a great day. Steph and Amy
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette W
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Amazing trip with everything provided - warm clothing, lovely lunch. Pristine environment with excellent guides.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and a 5-star rating.
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the Funyak trip and the weather played ball to show you the beautiful environment.
We hope to have you travel again sometime soon and bring some friends and family with you to share the experience with.
Nga Mihi
Customer Experience Team
Written 30 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kellie Kanaar
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
The staff were super friendly and very knowledgeable about the river. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience as it had a bit of everything - exciting jet boating, a short and informative forest walk, great bird life, amazing kayak into a gorgeous river canyon with direct water flow from mountain glaciers - and a trip down river on small but fun rapids. Also, a shout out to the catering people who were very accommodating for vegans/gluten free - fresh, tasty salads and fruit, soup, and a delicious homemade vegan ginger bar for dessert - yummo!! Full day adventure, did not want it to end.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Kelsey,
We are so happy to hear that you loved our catering food! Our Glenorchy locals cater for us, so we will pass this on to them.
Our Staff train hard and strive to provide excellent customer service for our customers.
We are glad you enjoyed the thrill and adventurous aspect of our trip! This is what separates us from other operators from start to finish!
We hope to have you travel again with us soon!
Nga Mihi
Customer Experience Team
Written 30 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, we are a group of 6,including 2 child(year 6 and 8) and one old woman. We are interesting in Jet Boat, but worry about the safety. Please give me more information, thanks!
DRJCustomerExperienceRepresentative
Glenorchy, New Zealand
Kia Ora,
Our jet boats are completely safe we take children starting from 1 metre tall, we stop on various locations amongst the river for breaks and to talk about the surroundings. While also doing a few spins on the boat but definitely nothing too much for your little ones! as long as your children are over 1 metre the health and safety will be abousetely fine for them and dont worry they will be well looked after :)
Dart River - customer service representative Antonia
Perry C
Gold Coast, Australia56 contributions
Hi, we are a family of 4 with 14 & 10 year old girls. We are wanting to do this adventure early April. My question is: we will have my partners 78 year mother with is. She is normal fitness and mobility for her age. Would this be suitable for us to bring her?
KathyO1234
39 contributions
There is some climbing in and out of the Kayaks that could be a small struggle. Ask to have her ride with a guide. She will get to enjoy with little effort. Some walking along rocky shores to get to picnic area. It’s not too bad though.
Perry C
Gold Coast, Australia56 contributions
Hi, we are a family of 4 with 14 & 10 year old girls. We are wanting to do this adventure early April. My question is: we will have my partners 78 year mother with is. She is normal fitness and mobility for her age. Would this be suitable for us to bring her?
Mike C
Auckland Central, New Zealand15 contributions
As long as she can get in and out of the Funyaks you’ll be fine.
Yak S
3 contributions
i have no experience in horse riding. is it ok or is it safe for me to join the 2h river wild tour?
jesssenior24
London, UK110 contributions
Yes - I did! Was absolutely fine, you don't go faster than walking
roger b
Roeselare, Belgium61 contributions
Na de dart River boottocht, hebben we een wandeling gemaakt door een natuurreservaat. In een open plek stond er een zeer grote troon in hout.
Kan u me meer vertellen over die troon? Bedankt.
Mario Barros
Ceara-Mirim, RN544 contributions
Hi, how are you? I'm sorry, I do not know what language you wrote your message. Please write in English or Spanish for me to understand
Ems0130
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Hi! We will be doing the funyak tour next week and I'm a little confused about what clothes to wear. Is it cold or warm right now? Is it cold enough to wear their wetsuit or should I wear shorts underneath so I can take them off if I get too warm. Do I wear water shoes or do they also provide the water boots? I could really use your help.
Thanks!
Mike W
125 contributions
You must wear the wetsuit and the guides will advise how cold it will be so go on their advice. We found it sufficient to just wear shorts and the wetsuit. The company provides the boots. It is a great day out, enjoy yourselves.
sandiegotravel94
new york10 contributions
Hi- we are arriving June 17th and interested in the dart river funyak trip- but wondering if the weather will be suitable for funyaking. Can you advise? One review from Jan 2015 indicates that the trip can be a little overwhelming if the weather is not accommodating.
Johanna K
6 contributions
Hi there. It will be cold. Ring them and ask. We did the jet boat etc not funyaking. Wrap up warmly and they give you big water proof fleecy lined coats
rmh611
Philadelphia, PA6 contributions
I am a little skeptical about this given the 360 turns etc. Do not like "thrill" rides but it seems like an awesome experience. I am 58 and the travel agent says it is not too bad.
Sarah B
58 contributions
I didn't have nay issues on this trip and I cannot do anything that has any spinning. The 360 turns are done one at a time - not several in a row. Hope this helps!