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Dart River Jet Boat and Wakatipu Basin 4WD Safari

Hotel Pick up included

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    8 hours

  • Start time

    Start time: 0745h (07:45am)
    Duration: 8 hours

  • Meeting Point
    Your hotel in Queenstown
    (Please mention your hotel details at the time of booking. If you do not have this information now, please contact the local activity operator 24 hours prior to the start of the tour with these details.)
  • Ending Point

    Your hotel in Queenstown

Key Highlights

  • See the stunning locations used in the ′Lord of the Rings′ movies
  • Adrenalin junkies will love the thrilling Dart River jet-boat ride
  • Have a blast when you go off-road in Wakatipu Basin!
  • Stupendous photo-opportunities

Overview

This action-packed adventure combines a breath-taking boat ride with a forest walk, a scenic coach tour and a thrilling 4WD safari.

The excitement begins with a 1 ½ hour jet boat journey through the ever-changing braided river system of the Dart, one of the most challenging rivers commercially jet boated in New Zealand, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and plunging waterfalls.

Back on dry land, explore ancient woodlands on foot and travel along scenic back-roads to view the landscapes that have provided epic backdrops for many international films.

In the afternoon, go off-road in Wakatipu Basin in a safari-equipped 4WD vehicle. See famous places like Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Skippers Canyon and the Remarkables, not to mention celebrated “Lord of the Rings” movie locations like the Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings and the Ford of Bruinen.

Itinerary

At the start of your exciting Dart River Jet Boat & Wakatipu Basin 4WD Safari adventure you will be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown and driven down to Glenorchy.

Here, you will be treated to the longest and most sensational jet boat journey available in the Queenstown area. The 1 ½ hour ride through towering mountains and refreshingly beautiful wilderness takes you from the head of mighty Lake Wakatipu into the pristine Dart River and spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park.

After the jet boat ride, take a 20 to 40 minute walk along the Heritage Trail at Paradise. Your knowledgeable guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, and the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area.

Next, a 4WD coach will pick you up and take you on a 40-50 minute trip to see stunningly beautiful locations used in the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy. Enjoy an entertaining and informative commentary including plenty of “Lord of the Rings” trivia.

At the end of the morning you will return to Queenstown where your safari-equipped 4WD vehicle will be waiting. The knowledgeable driver/guide will take you on a truly breathtaking excursion through the diverse scenery on offer in the Wakatipu Basin.

You will visit iconic places such as Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Skippers Canyon and the Remarkables and view key “Lord of the Rings” movie locations.

During the day you will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with a selection of meats and smoked salmon, breads, cheese, olives, fruit, slice, and sweets.

After a day of exploring the best that this area has to offer, you will be driven back to your accommodation in Queenstown.

Inclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle (size of vehicle depends on number of passengers)
  • English-speaking guides
  • 1.5 hour jet boat ride along the Dart River
  • Off-road 4WD safari
  • Gourmet picnic lunch (selection of meats and smoked salmon, breads, cheese, olives, fruit, slice, and sweets)
  • Refreshments

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.

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