Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience
Overview
Immerse yourself in an authentic New Zealand adventure as you journey deep into the heart of world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, a truly unique and untouched world. This is not just a jet boat ride, but a combination of activities designed to connect you with the real New Zealand.
Experience 2 hours of breath-taking scenery and wilderness jet boating on braided, glacier-red rivers in this UNESCO World Heritage Area. Our experienced guides add a personal touch with stories about the history, the Greenstone trail and Māori legends from our own Ngai Tahu ancestors. 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?
What's Included
- Comfortable Return transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
- Safety briefing and all required safety equipment, including life jackets
- Wilderness Jet boat ride on the Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park
- Spray jackets for comfort on the water
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide providing commentary
- Guided interpretation of the region’s wildlife, landscape, and Māori heritage
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Included with the option “Wilderness Jet from Queenstown”.
The Station Building Duke Street
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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.
For the option “Wilderness Jet from Glenorchy”.
45 Mull Street
Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5627WILDERNESS
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 593 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Comfortable Return transport from Queenstown (selected departures).
- Safety briefing and all required safety equipment, including life jackets.
- Wilderness Jet boat ride on the Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park.
- Spray jackets for comfort on the water.
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide providing commentary.
- Guided interpretation of the region’s wildlife, landscape, and Māori heritage.
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Comfortable Return transport from Queenstown (selected departures)
- Safety briefing and all required safety equipment, including life jackets
- Wilderness Jet boat ride on the Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park
- Spray jackets for comfort on the water
- Professional and knowledgeable local guide providing commentary
- Guided interpretation of the region’s wildlife, landscape, and Māori heritage
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
