Funyak Canoe Plus Jet Boat

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★ 4.8 382 reviews

from $290.40 per person

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Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
Meeting point: Dart River Adventures, Mull Street, Glenorchy
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Dart River Adventures

Overview

This full-day trip from Queenstown pairs two very different ways of travelling the Dart River: a fast jet boat run upstream through the braided river, then a slower paddle back down in an inflatable canoe, or funyak. Dart River Adventures runs it, and the whole thing lasts 8 hours 15 minutes. Round-trip transport from Queenstown can be added as a selectable option, otherwise you check in at the operator's base at 45 Mull Street in Glenorchy.

The shape of the day goes like this. After check-in and getting kitted out, a shuttle takes you to the jet boat, which carries you upriver. You then swap to the canoes and drift and paddle downstream, with a picnic lunch along the way and a side trip into a chasm that several reviewers single out as the best part of the day. Reviewers repeatedly describe the scenery as the reason this stands apart from other Queenstown adventures.

All the technical gear is supplied: wetsuit, booties, lifejacket, fleece and a dry bag for your camera and sunscreen. Lunch, drinks and a guide are included, gratuities are not. It suits families with children aged five and over, and most travellers can participate.

Braided Dart River near Glenorchy with beech forest and a jet boat wake downstream.

What's Included

Included

Round-trip transport from Queenstown (select from Queenstown option)
Jet boat ride
Canoe tour
Use of equipment: lifejacket, wetsuits and booties, fleece, dry bag
Lunch (Picnic lunch)
Soft drinks, tea and coffee
Professional guide

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Travel to GlenorchyIf you select the Queenstown transport option, the transport covers the scenic road to Glenorchy; otherwise you make your own way to the Dart River Adventures base at 45 Mull Street.
Check in and gear upCheck in with the team 15 minutes before departure, at 9.15am. Staff fit you with wetsuit, booties, lifejacket and fleece, and issue dry bags. Lockers are available for items you leave behind.
Shuttle to the riverA short shuttle transfer takes the group from the base to meet the jet boat and its driver.
Jet boat up the DartThe jet boat carries the group up the braided Dart River.
Canoe downstreamYou switch to inflatable canoes, funyaks, and paddle down the river at a relaxed pace with guides leading, coaching and keeping the group together.
Picnic lunchA picnic lunch with soft drinks, tea and coffee is served during the trip.
The chasmAfter lunch the group paddles through a narrow chasm, which many reviewers describe as the highlight of the day.
Return to baseThe day ends back at the Dart River Adventures base in Glenorchy, from which selected transport returns to Queenstown.

$290.40from, per person

8 hours 15 minutesduration

4.8across 382 guest reviews

32guests at most

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from what you wear to how much paddling is involved.

Bring swimwear. Wear your swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel plus warm layers for afterwards. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent as well.
Paddling effort. The canoe section is slower and can be more work than expected. One reviewer described the funyaks as a full body workout that took coordination with a paddle partner, so treat it as light exercise rather than a passive float.
Gear provided. Wetsuit, booties, lifejacket, fleece and a dry bag are all supplied.
Family friendly. The minimum age is five, the minimum height is one metre, and children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 32 travellers. Reviewers found the guides kept everyone together patiently, even when paddlers fell behind or got stuck.
Cold on the boat. One reviewer regretted leaving gloves and a hat in the locker on a sunny day, and said the team there advised bringing both, so pack them even if the forecast looks good.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The canoeing is a real workout in places. Insect bites at lunch bothered at least one reviewer. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnancy, and can be cancelled for weather or low numbers, with a rescheduled date or full refund offered in those cases.

Common Questions

Is Transport From Queenstown Included?

Round-trip transport from Queenstown is a selectable option when you book. If you do not select it, you make your own way to the Dart River Adventures base at 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy, and check in there 15 minutes before departure.

What Is Included In The Price?

The jet boat ride, the canoe tour, all technical gear (lifejacket, wetsuit, booties, fleece and dry bag), a picnic lunch, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and a professional guide. Round-trip transport from Queenstown is included if you select that option. Gratuities are not included.

Can Children Do This Tour?

Yes, from age five, with a minimum height of one metre. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How Fit Do I Need To Be?

The jet boat requires nothing from you, but the canoe section involves paddling.

What Should I Bring?

Swimwear to wear under your clothes, a towel, warm clothes for after, sunscreen and insect repellent. Everything technical is provided.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund or changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.