Embark on a full-day adventure into the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with this Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour departing from Queenstown.
Your journey begins with a coach ride to Glenorchy, the starting point of your expedition. From there, you'll board a jet boat for a scenic trip up the Dart River.
As you cruise through a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty, you'll pass through the 'Middle-earth' scenery famously featured in 'The Lord of the Rings' films.
On a secluded section of the river, you'll transition from the jet boat to your own easy-to-handle funyak. Paddle along, following your guide, before stopping for a delightful picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
No prior canoeing experience is necessary for this tour. Your guide will ensure a relaxed pace suitable for the entire group.
✓ Jet boat ride✓ Canoe tour✓ Professional guide✓ Picnic lunch✓ Round-trip transport from Queenstown (select from Queenstown option)✓ Use of equipment: lifejacket, wetsuits and booties, fleece, dry bag✓ Soft drinks, tea and coffeeActivity Schedule
8 h 15
8:15 AM: Discover an untouched world and connect with nature on this action-packed full day journey deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park. If you do only one activity in Queenstown. This is it.
Experience the exhilaration of a jet boat ride combined with a leisurely downstream float in our easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks), a unique way to explore hidden side streams and a dramatic chasm inaccessible by other means.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this untouched world at your own pace and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading through Paradise on a 4WD bus journey back to Glenorchy.
*No experience required
A unique journey combining kayaking with jet boating, nature, and adventure. Includes lunch!
An hour of wilderness jet boating and spectacular scenery across the braided, glacier-fed Dart River to your Funyak launch site.
Professional, friendly guides take you on an inspiring adventure as you gently drift back downstream in your own Funyak. Explore hidden side-streams, rockpools and a dramatic chasm.
Learn about the Pounamu (Greenstone) that made the Dart River a key trading route for our Nga-i Tahu ancestors, the early Ma-ori of the area.
Dart River Adventures Glenorchy-Queenstown Road Mount Aspiring National Park Glenorchy
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
If you make your own way to the Dart River base in Glenorchy, please check-in with our team 15 minutes prior to departure time (at 9:15 AM).
If you make your own way to the Dart River base in Glenorchy, please check-in with our team 15 minutes prior to departure time (at 9:15 AM).
Including return transport: Please check-in inside the Station Building, Queenstown, 1 hour 15 minutes prior to your booking time (at 8:15 AM).
'Funyaks from Queenstown' - Check-in at 8:15 AM.
This option includes return transport from Queenstown. Please check-in at 8:15 AM inside the Station Building, Queenstown.
'Funyaks from Glenorchy' - Check-in 9:15 AM.
This option is from Glenorchy. If you make your own way to the Dart River Adventures river base, check-in is at 9:15 AM.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. Minimum height is 3.3 feet (1 meter). Minimum age is 5 years. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Please dress appropriately: bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes. Funyaks from Queenstown Duration: 8 hours Including return transport: IMPORTANT: Return transport, check-in inside the Station Building, Queenstown, 1 hour 15 minutes prior (at 8:15 AM). Pickup included Funyaks from Glenorchy Duration: 6 hours Self-drive to Glenorchy: Please check-in at our Glenorchy base 15 minutes prior to your booking time (at 9:15 AM). Book in advance, especially during peak season. Choose the 'Funyaks from Queenstown' option for included transport. If self-driving to Glenorchy, arrive 15 minutes before check-in time. Dress in layers and bring swimwear, a towel, and warm clothing. Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent. Listen carefully to your guide for safety and information. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5627FUNYAK
Activity offered by Dart River Adventures via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventure seekers Nature lovers Fans of The Lord of the Rings Families with children (minimum age 5) Travelers seeking unique outdoor experiences Explore the pristine Mount Aspiring National Park. Experience thrilling jet boat rides. Paddle your own inflatable funyak. Discover 'Middle-earth' landscapes from Lord of the Rings. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in nature. Suitable for all fitness levels with no prior experience needed.
Population 29,000 (2023)
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 11° Jan 11° Feb 9° Mar 6° Apr 3° May 1° Jun 0° Jul 1° Aug 3° Sept 5° Oct 7° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is a 'funyak'? + A funyak is an easy-to-handle inflatable kayak, perfect for exploring hidden side streams and dramatic chasms.
Do I need prior canoeing experience? + No, previous canoeing experience is not required. The tour is designed to be accessible for all.
What should I bring with me? + Please bring swimwear, a towel, warm clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Is transport included? + Round-trip transport from Queenstown is included if you select the 'Funyaks from Queenstown' option. Otherwise, you can self-drive to Glenorchy.
What is the minimum age for this tour? + The minimum age is 5 years old. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour may be canceled in case of bad weather. If canceled, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fabulous Dart River tour
195gillw, October 2026
A fabulous day out - from the scenic drive to Glenorchy to the fun jet boating to the kayaking down the gorgeous Dart River. The biggest highlight was seeing the pristine Routeburn Chasmcand swimming in the crystal clear waters
Response from the operator · Dart River Reservations Kia Ora 195gillw,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so pleased to hear you had such a fabulous day exploring the Dart River with us. It's great to know you enjoyed the scenic journey to Glenorchy, the excitement of the jet boat ride, and paddling through the stunning surroundings on your Funyak adventure.
The Chasm is certainly a special highlight, and we're delighted you got to experience its pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters along the way.
Thank you for choosing Dart River Adventures. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Ngā mihi / Kind regards,
The Dart River Adventures Team
★★★★★ Viator review
This tour was a brilliant...
Jacqui_C, September 2026
This tour was a brilliant way to see some truly beautiful countryside. The bus trip from Glenorchy to Queenstown was a pleasant and scenic way to start the day, and then when we arrived the staff at the Glenorchy base were really helpful in getting us kitted out in wetsuits, boots and safety gear before we hopped on to the jet boat for a thrilling ride up the river which would have been a great day out just on its own. Switching across to the funyaks these were really enjoyable albeit sometimes being a little bit more work to keep on track, but our guides were very helpful with advice and encouragement for our journey back down the river and it was a lot of fun. Paddling through the gorge was definitely the highlight - it was stunningly beautiful and looked exactly like the photos. Would thoroughly recommend the experience, though next time would be more proactive with insect repellent to keep the sandflies away. Finally, particular thanks go to the staff both for their kindness towards the kids and for reuniting me with my phone after it fell out on the bus back to Queenstown.
★★★★★ Viator review
Amazing time
Dee_M, September 2026
The team were amazing and we had a lot of fun. The boat ride was so much fun and the views during the canoeing were breathtaking.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience
Momoftpb, September 2026
The experience on Dart River was a lot of fun! Enjoying this beautiful are by boat and kayak was so amazing. The guides were fun and kept us safe the entire time. Learned a lot as well. Great trip!!
Response from the operator · Dart River Reservations Kia Ora Momoftpb,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a fun time exploring the Dart River by jet boat and Funyak. It’s wonderful to know our guides helped make the experience both enjoyable and safe, while sharing some of the stories and knowledge of this incredible area.
We really appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Ngā mihi,
The Dart River Adventures Team.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fantastic wilderness experience for older families
Pioneer20032064718, August 2026
Awesome! Well organised. Very safe and professional staff yet relaxed. Great adventure.
Response from the operator · Dart River Reservations Kia Ora Pioneer20032064718,
Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the wilderness experience and felt safe and well looked after by our professional team. It’s fantastic to know you had a great adventure with us.
We hope to welcome you back to the Dart River again in the future!
Ngā mihi,
The Dart River Adventures Team.
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