Return shuttle from Queenstown1-hour wilderness jet boat rideGuided Funyak canoe experienceWilderness picnic lunchAll gear supplied (wetsuit, booties, fleece, dry bag, life jacket)Local driver and expert river guidesWhat to BringSummerSunglassesSun hatSunscreenInsect repellentCamera or phoneSwimwear (to wear under provided gear)TowelWater bottleWinter / Cooler DaysThermals (top and bottom)Warm outer layerHat and glovesWindproof jacketSunglassesInsect repellentCamera or phoneSwimwear (to wear under provided gear)TowelWater bottle

Check-in location: Station Information CentreAddress: 25 Shotover Street, QueenstownDeparture: 8.30amCheck-in time: 15 minutes before your scheduled departure

Adult: 16+ yearsChild: 5-15 years

Dart River Funyaks from Queenstown

South Island

Dart River Adventures

from

NZ$499

per adult

Book Now

Funyak rafting through narrow canyon on the Dart River

Experiences

Kayak & Canoe Tours

Jet Boat Tours

Adventure Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Duration: 8.5 hours

Minimum Height: 1.2m Minimum Age: 5

A Unique Blend of Jet Boating and Guided Canoeing

This full-day Funyaks experience begins with a relaxing coach transfer from Queenstown along the spectacular lakeside road to Glenorchy. Once you arrive, your adventure starts with a thrilling jet boat ride deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area known for its glacier-fed rivers and dramatic alpine scenery. The jet section offers excitement and incredible views before transitioning into a slower, more tranquil float downstream in your Funyak canoe.

As you explore side-streams, hidden channels and the ancient Rockburn chasm, your guide shares stories about the region’s rich natural and cultural history. The peaceful downstream journey allows you to take in the clarity of the water, the sounds of native birds and the untouched wilderness that defines this iconic landscape. With its unique blend of action and serenity, the experience suits travellers seeking a deeper connection to Aotearoa’s wilder side.

Full-Day Exploration with Expert Guidance

Your Funyak canoe gives you the chance to get even closer to the environment, drifting through clear waters shaped by the Southern Alps. A gourmet picnic lunch is served at the river’s edge, offering time to relax in the beech forest and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote location. Thanks to the constantly shifting river structure and seasonal changes, each departure feels different, revealing new tones, textures and wildlife throughout the day.

Your guides are there to support you at every stage, teaching you the basics of Funyak paddling and helping you navigate any trickier sections. All gear is provided, along with comfortable changing facilities so you can prepare easily before and after the tour. Your coach return to Queenstown takes you through Glenorchy’s famed film locations, offering one last look at the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unforgettable.

Gourmet riverside lunch setup during Dart River Funyak experience

Funyak adventure through emerald canyon waters of Dart River

Funyaks guide holding pounamu while guest reaches out to touch it

Couple enjoying riverside picnic with Mount Aspiring in background

Funyaks guide holding large pounamu stone beside clear water of the Dart River

Jet boat exploring shallow channels of Dart River near Mount Aspiring

Aerial view of jet boat speeding through Dart River braided channels

Jet boat ride on Dart River with Glenorchy’s alpine backdrop

Couple enjoying gourmet riverside lunch with mountain views

Smiling guide paddling solo Funyak on the Dart River

Group Funyaking through emerald pool in remote Dart River forest

Funyak rafts gliding through the clear Dart River surrounded by mountains

Group enjoying riverside picnic with Mount Aspiring views

Group enjoying picnic beside the Dart River with Mount Aspiring views

Aerial view of Funyaks on narrow, clear channel of Dart River

Two Funyak paddlers floating on calm Dart River beside native forest

Two people floating in life jackets in crystal-clear Dart River

Group paddling Funyaks through Dart River wilderness near Glenorchy

Funyak rafting through narrow gorge in Dart River wilderness

Happy Funyak paddlers exploring Glenorchy wilderness

Aerial shot of Funyak groups paddling through Dart River valley

Red Funyak raft floating on crystal-clear Dart River

Group Funyak rafting trip on the Dart River near Glenorchy

Funyak group paddling with Southern Alps backdrop

Clear water beneath a Funyak raft on Dart River in Glenorchy

Guided Funyak kayaking tour through glacier-fed Dart River

Funyak rafting beneath snow-capped peaks in Mount Aspiring National Park

Return shuttle from Queenstown
1-hour wilderness jet boat ride
Guided Funyak canoe experience
Wilderness picnic lunch
All gear supplied (wetsuit, booties, fleece, dry bag, life jacket)
Local driver and expert river guides

What to Bring

Summer

Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Camera or phone
Swimwear (to wear under provided gear)
Towel
Water bottle

Winter / Cooler Days

Thermals (top and bottom)
Warm outer layer
Hat and gloves
Windproof jacket
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Camera or phone
Swimwear (to wear under provided gear)
Towel
Water bottle

Check-in location: Station Information Centre
Address: 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Departure: 8.30am
Check-in time: 15 minutes before your scheduled departure

Adult: 16+ years
Child: 5-15 years

Cancellations more than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, absolutely. Most guests have never paddled before and still enjoy the experience with ease. The river current helps carry you downstream, and if you need assistance at any point, your guide can attach your Funyak to theirs.

Funyakking is generally a relaxed paddle down the Dart River. However, in low river conditions you may need to walk short sections over uneven ground or through shallow water. For this reason, a reasonable level of fitness is required to take part.

Expect to get wet up to your knees, and occasionally a little higher depending on conditions. A wetsuit and booties are provided and must be worn throughout the experience. These help keep you warm and comfortable during the on-water sections.

You’ll need to be confident in the water and able to swim, as water awareness is essential for Funyaks. A life jacket must be worn for the entire trip. If you’re not comfortable in the water, the Wilderness Jet Experience is a better option.

Congratulations on your exciting news! For safety reasons, our jet boat experiences aren’t suitable during pregnancy due to the physical nature of the ride. We’d love to welcome you on an adventure with us in the future.