Highlights
- Full‑day wilderness adventure in Mt Aspiring National Park
- Combination of jet boating and Funyak canoeing on the Dart River
- Paddle through remote side streams and untouched native bush
- Immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and wilderness of the land
- Optional scenic return transport from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Description
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic wilderness adventures on this guided Dart River Funyaks (inflatable canoe) experience from Queenstown.
Travel deep into Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, with the only operator permitted to access the Dart River.
Begin the journey with a scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, before jet boating upstream through braided, glacier‑fed waterways surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
The adventure continues as you transfer into Funyaks - stable, inflatable canoes designed for remote backcountry exploration. Paddle gently downstream at a relaxed pace, stopping along the way to explore hidden side streams, native beech forest, and untouched wilderness rarely accessed by visitors.
Midway through the journey, enjoy a wilderness picnic lunch served in a remote riverside location within the national park, allowing time to relax, refuel, and take in the surrounding alpine scenery.
Throughout the day, knowledgeable local guides bring the landscape to life, sharing stories of Māori history, the ancient Greenstone Trail, and famous film locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
The day concludes with a scenic back‑country bus journey through Paradise, featuring landscapes seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, before returning to Queenstown.
This full‑day wilderness experience offers a unique combination of jet boating, canoeing, and immersive storytelling, and is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic and unhurried connection with New Zealand’s natural environment.
Includes
Guided jet boat journey on the Dart River
Funyak inflatable canoe experience
All paddling and safety equipment
Wetsuits, lifejackets, booties, thermals, gloves (in winter)
Wilderness picnic lunch
Professional driver‑guides with live commentary
Return transport from Queenstown (if option selected)
Important Information
- There is a minimum number of 8 pax for this experience that must be met. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be moved to the next available departure, offered an alternate experience if available or provided a full refund.
- Children must be at least 1-meter tall and 5 years or older
- Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
- You’re welcome to self-drive and join the experience from Glenorchy - please select the option whilst booking
- Buffet-style Lunch includes bread, salads, a selection of meats, sweet slices, and fruit. Please advise the operator if any special dietary requirements should apply.
- You are welcome to bring your camera to capture your own images throughout the day
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
