Funyak Canoe, Meal Included

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★ 4.8 382 reviews

from $290.34 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Cancel free up to 24 hours before departure; Dart River Adventures may apply their own conditions, so check the booking page before booking.

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Dart River Adventures, Glenorchy
Cancellation: Cancel free up to 24 hours before departure; Dart River Adventures may apply their own conditions, so check the booking page before booking
Operator terms: Dart River Adventures terms: direct bookings are fully refundable more than 24 hours before; inside 24 hours up to 100% is charged. Agent bookings follow the agent's terms.
If the operator cancels: Dart River Adventures: if the operator cancels, the booking is refunded.
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Dart River Adventures

Overview

This day combines two very different ways of travelling the Dart River: a fast jet boat run upstream from Glenorchy, then a slow paddle back down in an inflatable canoe the operator calls a funyak. The whole outing runs about 8.5 hours, with a picnic lunch included along the way. Dart River Adventures supplies nearly everything, including wetsuits, booties, fleeces, lifejackets and dry bags for cameras and other small items.

The day begins with check-in and gear fitting at the Mull Street base in Glenorchy, followed by a shuttle to the jet boat, the ride up the braided river, then a guided float downstream with a stop for lunch.

It suits travellers who want both speed and quiet on the same day, including families with children aged five and up. Maximum group size is 32.

An open jet boat idles on a wide shallow channel of the braided Dart River near Glenorchy, beech forest and snow peaks behind.

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
Soft drinks, tea and coffee
Professional guide

Not Included

Gratuities

Itinerary

Travel to GlenorchyRound-trip transport from Queenstown is a selectable option; there is one departure daily, time on the booking page.
Check-in and gearAt the Dart River Adventures base, 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy, staff fit guests with wetsuits, booties, fleeces and lifejackets, and hand out dry bags.
Shuttle and jet boatA short shuttle takes the group to the jet boat, which runs up the braided Dart River.
Canoe downstreamThe group switches to funyak canoes and paddles back down the river.
Picnic lunchA picnic lunch with soft drinks, tea and coffee is served during the day, with allergy accommodation mentioned by reviewers.
ReturnThe day finishes back at the Glenorchy meeting point, with transport back to Queenstown for those who selected it.

Minimum height100 cm

Minimum age5 years

What To Expect From The Tour

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

Clothing and gear. Bring swimwear, a towel, warm clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent. The operator provides wetsuits, booties, fleeces, lifejackets and dry bags. One reviewer regretted skipping gloves and a hat on the jet boat; bring them even on a sunny day.
Fitness and pace. The jet boat is passive and fast; the canoe is not. Others who worried about fitness said it was manageable, and guides paired children with adults or took kids aboard themselves.
Insects. Bring insect repellent, and one reviewer specifically recommended it after encountering biting flies around lunch. Pack it rather than hoping.
Food and drink. Gratuities are the only stated exclusion.
Group feel. Up to 32 travellers join, and reviews mention guides splitting the large group into smaller units on the water.
Meeting point clarity. Confirm which option is booked and arrive early; transport from Queenstown is a selectable option, not automatic.

Ready To RideCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather matters: the operator runs in all safe weather, not fog or torrential rain, and if Dart River Adventures cancels for weather, the booking is refunded. The experience also needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if cancelled for low numbers, a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered. It is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and one reviewer reported a bus with poor air conditioning on the return leg.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The jet boat ride, the canoe tour, a professional guide, a picnic lunch with soft drinks, tea and coffee, and all the key gear: lifejacket, wetsuit, booties, fleece and dry bag. Round-trip transport from Queenstown is included when the Queenstown option is selected. Gratuities are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Transport Provided?

Round-trip transport from Queenstown is a selectable option, departing the booking office at 8:30am. Alternatively, travellers can meet at the Dart River Adventures base at 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy, checking in 15 minutes before the single daily departure; times are on the booking page. Confirm which option applies before the day.

How Long Does The Day Take?

The full experience runs about 8.5 to 9 hours from Queenstown, about 6.5 hours from Glenorchy, ending back at the meeting point. Check the booking page for a more detailed breakdown.

Is It Suitable For Children?

Reviews from families were positive, and guides can take children in their own canoe during the paddle section.

What Should I Bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, warm clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent. Dry bags are provided for cameras and essentials.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow local time. If Dart River Adventures cancels for poor weather, the booking is refunded.