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
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.'
Queenstown, New Zealand

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Tours and Tickets by Dart River Adventures
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(550 reviews)
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4.5
2,608 reviews
Excellent
2,114
Very good
325
Average
72
Poor
38
Terrible
59

tumefamily
Tauranga, New Zealand3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
WOW! Was worth every cent. Two hours flew by and there were plenty of whoop whooping as well as stops for commentary on the STUNNING scenery. Made our special family trip even more so! Not a lot to do in Glenorchy apart from some cafes and a few gift shops but was lovely to have a lazy wander. Drive to Glenorchy was spectacular! Dart River Jet Boat staff were fantastic, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Felt safe on the jet boat and the neck scarfs & spray jackets they supplied were great. Was NOT a bumpy trip at all which is what I have heard a lot of other people experienced on other jet boating rides in Queenstown. HIGHLY recommend!
Written 2 December 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.

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.
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!
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!
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.

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DART RIVER ADVENTURES (Queenstown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go