1-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: Dart River Base, GlenorchyAddress: 45 Mull Street, GlenorchyDeparture: 9.30amCheck-in time: 15 minutes before your scheduled departureFree parking available near the baseStaff will provide gear, safety briefings and trip preparation on arrival

Adult: 16+ yearsChild: 5-15 years

Dart River Funyaks – Wilderness Jet & Canoe

South Island

Dart River Adventures

from

NZ$499

per adult

Book Now

Happy Funyak paddlers exploring Glenorchy wilderness

Experiences

Kayak & Canoe Tours

Jet Boat Tours

Adventure Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Glenorchy

Duration: 6.5 hours

Minimum Height: 1.2m Minimum Age: 5

Explore Mount Aspiring National Park on the Funyaks Experience

The Dart River Funyaks experience takes you from Glenorchy into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park, offering a full-day adventure through pristine wilderness. Your journey begins with a thrilling jet boat ride along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River, surrounded by towering peaks and ancient forest. After the jet section, the pace slows as you step into your Funyak canoe and drift downstream, exploring hidden channels, side streams and the dramatic Rockburn chasm.

This combination of excitement and serenity lets you see both the power and tranquillity of this UNESCO-listed landscape. Your guides bring the region to life with stories of its natural history, Māori heritage and the wildlife that thrives here. With untouched scenery in every direction, this experience provides rare perspective into one of Aotearoa’s most remarkable wilderness areas.

A Full-Day Wilderness Exploration

As you float downstream, you’ll take in the clarity of the water, the peaceful beech forest and the unique ecosystems that make this region so special. A gourmet picnic lunch by the riverside adds a relaxed break to your day, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of native birds and the calm of this remote valley. Each departure offers different views thanks to shifting water levels, seasonal changes and the dynamic alpine environment.

Your Funyak guide will help you navigate the river, no prior experience required, offering advice and support throughout the journey. With all equipment supplied and comfortable changing facilities available, the day is designed to be easy, enjoyable and deeply rewarding. The return coach ride to Glenorchy takes you through landscapes featured in major films, rounding out an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Guided Funyak kayaking tour through glacier-fed 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

Gourmet riverside lunch setup during Dart River Funyak experience

Funyak adventure through emerald canyon waters of Dart River

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

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

Funyak rafting through narrow canyon on the Dart River

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

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: Dart River Base, Glenorchy
Address: 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy
Departure: 9.30am
Check-in time: 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
Free parking available near the base
Staff will provide gear, safety briefings and trip preparation on arrival

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

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.

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.

You’re welcome to take photos and short video clips during the experience. For safety, all cameras must be put away during the spins so you can hold on properly.