Dart River Adventures: How To Explore The Dart River in New Zealand
Dart River Adventures is one of the best things to do in the Queenstown area. This thrilling journey offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the very best of New Zealand landscapes. It is a unique and exclusive experience that is a lot of fun and a great activity for all the family near Lake Whakatipu.
Your Dart River adventure takes you to pristine, untouched landscapes in the Dart River Valley, a part of the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area. It is an exclusive and one of a kind experience to explore unparalleled natural beauty in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Jet Boats: The Ultimate Thrill
One of the highlights of Dart River Adventures is the thrilling jet boat ride. Experience an exhilarating jet boating on braided, glacier-fed rivers. The journey takes you deep into the landscapes of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park. You get unrivaled access, covering up to an astounding 90 kilometers of river on a single trip. In fact, Dart River Adventures boasts the longest jet boat ride in the region. Prepare for a 2-hour adventure like no other, where every twist and turn unveils a new facet of natural wonder.
Funyaks: Paddle into Paradise
For a more immersive experience, combine wilderness jet boating with ‘Funyak’ inflatable canoes. These unique canoes provide a fun and interactive way to explore the Dart River, taking you to hidden side streams, rock pools, and dramatic chasms. Midway through your journey, pause to savor a delicious wilderness lunch. Afterward, continue downstream to Paradise, where you’ll venture homeward via a 4-wheel drive coach. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore locations made famous by movies such as ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ It’s a cinematic adventure within the heart of New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Year-Round Excitement
Dart River Adventures operates year-round, ensuring you can experience the magic of this wilderness in every season. All necessary equipment is provided, ensuring a hassle-free adventure. It’s important to note that due to the ever-changing wilderness environment and weather conditions, every trip is unique. While Dart River Adventures can’t guarantee you’ll visit the exact same locations each time, rest assured, the vistas are stunning no matter where your journey takes you.
Practical Considerations
Before embarking on your adventure, remember to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the breathtaking moments (at your own risk). As the weather can change quickly in this region, a warm layer and supportive footwear are recommended. For visits between May and November, don’t forget a woollen hat or beanie and a warm insulated jacket.
Plan Your Adventure
The Wilderness Jet is suitable for adventurers as young as 3 years old, while the Funyaks Tour has a minimum age requirement of 5 years. Children must be over 1 meter tall, but this may be increased to 1.2 meters in certain river conditions.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to make changes to your booking, you have the flexibility to do so up to 24 hours before your adventure. Any modifications within 24 hours are at the discretion of the operator and may incur a fee of up to 100% of the activity or service price. Please note that a no-show without prior notification will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Discover Dart River Adventures and unlock the wonders of Queenstown’s natural marvels. Book your journey now for an unforgettable experience amidst New Zealand’s untouched paradise!
Where To Stay
A mere 25-minute drive from the Dart River Adventure office lies Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, offering a diverse selection of affordable and cozy lodging choices. These options encompass everything from wilderness dormitory rooms to luxurious eco cabins, ensuring a comfortable stay for every type of adventurer.
Plus, when you stay at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, get picked up from our small jetty right just down the road in the morning! Can’t stay the night? Why not stop for lunch at the restaurant to take in the views before or after your trip!
