South Island | Must Do New Zealand

Dart River Funyaks

Journey with us to an ancient landscape, undisturbed for thousands of years.

Funyak on the Dart River

Enjoy the solitude and tranquillity of this gorgeous location at your speed as you float downstream on crystal water, then stop for a wilderness picnic lunch before continuing to Glenorchy via ‘Paradise’.

Combine wilderness jet boating with one-of-a-kind Funyak inflatable canoes for an exciting adventure deep into Mt Aspiring National Park and Lord of the Rings shooting sites on the Dart River. Then take a back-country journey via areas utilised in movies to depict Middle Earth.

Funyaks are unique, being the only adventure of their kind in the Queenstown region, and it’s a fantastic way to explore and see this beautiful ‘World Heritage’ area up and personal.

Begin your funyak adventure with an hour-long jet boat ride up the Dart River, packed with spectacular jet spins and all the thrills of traditional braided shallow river jet boating.

Next, you’ll go on your Funyak experience on one of our one-of-a-kind inflatable Funyak canoes. After completing training, you will paddle and drift a stunning river adventure. Stopping amid old beech woodland, you’ll have a fantastic wilderness buffet lunch and the opportunity to explore side streams to the Dart River, rock pools, and dramatic chasms such as the stunning Rockburn Chasm.

Continue downstream to Paradise, from where you’ll return to Glenorchy by a back-country road through breathtaking scenery and spots that have inspired films worldwide, including ‘The Lord of the Rings.’

Top Tip: Book well in advance to avoid disappointment. At peak times, we can be booked weeks in advance. Dart River trips are limited to protect both your experience and the environment.

A unique day of exhilaration, adventure and discovery

Price: Adult $399 per person (age 16 to 99) – Child $305 pp (aged 5 to 15)|
Family: $1103 (2adults + 2 children)
Tour Duration: Allow 9 hours Queenstown return or 7 hours Glenorchy return
Funyak Departure:
8:30am – Departs from The Station (cnr Shotover and Camp Streets)
9:30am – Funayks trip departs from Dart River Adventures Base Building in Glenorchy
4:15 pm (approx) – Bus returns to Queenstown

This full-day trip includes a ‘funyak’ (inflatable canoe) and a jet boat ride on the Dart River, which runs through the wild splendour of Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Travel by coach from Queenstown to Glenorchy, where you’ll ride a thrilling jet boat upriver before boarding an easy-to-handle funyak. No prior expertise is required, and you will paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a buffet lunch and all necessary equipment, are included. From Queenstown, have a full-day Dart River funyak canoe and jet boat trip.

This thrilling excursion takes you to Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your funyak canoe, follow your guide to explore secret creeks and rock pools. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the great outdoors while seeing the park’s stunning rural landscape, which served as Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Highlights:

- - - Thrilling jet boating adventure in the spectacular wilderness of the Dart River
    - ‘Funyak’ expedition to explore the glacial channels of the stunning Dart River and its hidden side streams, rock pools and impressive chasms
- Enjoy beautiful views and a delicious buffet lunch in an actual wilderness setting.

Important Information:

- - - Life jackets are mandatory and supplied along with wet suits, booties and spray jackets
    - Summer – Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen and warm outer layer recommended
    - Winter – Wear warm clothing plus a hat, gloves, windproof outer jacket and sunglasses
    - Bring swimwear and towel year round
    - No experience required
- The Funyak Safari includes a complimentary return shuttle from Queenstown