Kayaking

Dart River "Funyaks" Canoe and Jet Boat Experience

Duration

6 hrs 30 mins - 9 hrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Experience the ultimate mix of adventure and scenery as you jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a Funyak through Mount Aspiring National Park’s wild beauty.

Glide through crystal-clear streams and hidden chasms in your Funyak, paddling past untouched landscapes teeming with native birds and lush beech forests.

Travel through the backcountry and see epic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, where Middle-earth and mutant battles came to life.

Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious riverside picnic, and upgrade your experience with optional round-trip transfers from Queenstown.

Fun fact: Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake, is often called the "Matterhorn of the South" for its towering, pyramid-like peak reaching 3,033 meters.

“Funyaks” canoe tour

Jet boat ride

Expert local guide

All safety equipment including life jacket and dry bag

Picnic lunch

Beverages (soft drinks, tea, and coffee)

Complimentary round-trip transfers from Queenstown (based on selected option)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Paddle through Mount Aspiring National Park on a full-day Dart River adventure, combining Funyak canoeing and a thrilling jet boat ride.

Getting started

Begin your day with convenient transfers from Queenstown to the Dart River base. After a quick check-in, your guide will provide a safety briefing and all necessary equipment before you set out.

What to expect

Located within a UNESCO-listed national park, the Dart River winds through ancient forests and dramatic alpine scenery. This region is celebrated for its pristine waterways and rich natural heritage.

Features

Funyak canoe ride: Glide along the Dart River in stable inflatable canoes, offering a close-up perspective of the park’s crystal-clear streams and native flora.

Jet boat ride: Experience high-speed excitement as you zip along shallow river channels, showcasing the skill of local jet boat drivers.

Included lunch: Refuel with a provided lunch, perfect for recharging during your outdoor adventure.

Hassle-free logistics: All equipment and round-trip transfers from Queenstown are included, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Highly rated: This tour holds a 4.8/5 rating from over 100 reviews, reflecting strong guest satisfaction.

What to bring

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for kayaking and jet boating.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you may get wet during the activities.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear that can get wet.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour.

Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years and under the height of 1m (3.28ft).

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for pregnant people and people with back issues.

Additional information

All necessary equipment for kayaking and jet boating is provided.

Life jackets, dry bags, wetsuits, booties, and fleece tops are provided and mandatory.

No experience is required, but guests should be comfortable in the water.

For winter or cooler summer days, it’s highly recommended to wear thermals, a warm outer layer, gloves, and a windproof jacket.

The experience operates in most weather conditions; please dress appropriately.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

The experience takes place in a natural outdoor environment; facilities may be limited.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.