Glenorchy Scenic Tour with Dart River Jet boat
Join Altitude Tours & Dart River Adventures for an incredible full-day tour from Queenstown exploring the top of the lake.
Book nowA true South Island experience
Your day begins with Altitude Tours, starting with a spectacular scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along the lake edge, with photo stops and entertaining stories from your local guide about the legends of Lake Whakatipu. Once you arrive in Glenorchy, you will have the chance to explore the lakefront including the iconic red boat shed, before continuing up toward Diamond Lake and Paradise Valley. Here you will take in the incredible snow-capped views over the Dart and Rees Rivers while your guide sets up a uniquely Kiwi morning tea to enjoy, and optional costumes to recreate your favourite movie scene photo.
After a morning exploring, you will be dropped back in Glenorchy township to enjoy free time, with the opportunity to visit a local cafe for lunch, take a short walk, or check out the sustainability story at The Headwaters.
That afternoon, Dart River Wilderness Jet will host you for a spectacular two-hour jet boat experience into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park and Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area. Owned and operated by Ngai Tahu Tourism, Dart River Adventures, and their highly experienced drivers will showcase the area’s fascinating history, the Greenstone trail, and Māori legends, covering 90km of crystal clear river. Throughout the experience, your jet boat driver will stop the boat, allowing you to disembark within the National Park and learn about its unique flora and fauna.
The jet boat experience will finish back in Glenorchy, and from there, Dart River Adventures will transport you back to Queenstown by coach.
*Please note that the Dart River Wilderness Jet jet boat is subject to availability at the time of booking and you will receive reconfirmation after you book.
Tour Overview.
Glenorchy Scenic Tour with Dart River Jet boat
Join Altitude Tours & Dart River Adventures for an incredible full-day tour from Queenstown exploring the top of the lake.
Glenorchy Tour FAQ's
The Glenorchy Tour operates in all weather conditions, wet days can set the scene for moody, misty LOTR style movie locations.
The Dart River jet boat experience is weather dependant, not operating in heavy rain or river flooding. In the case of bad weather, a decision will be made on the day, and if the jet boat is not operating you will return back to Queenstown with Altitude Tours and issued a partial refund.
We pick up and drop off from the Station Information Centre on Camp Street outside Marmolada Cafe. Which is right downtown Queenstown – very central.
Although we have never seen Frodo, we have had a number of people on tour that attest to seeing Frodo in and around the Glenorchy pub. Keep your eyes out and if you can please snap a photo.
The minimum number we need to confirm a tour is 3, and the maximum we will take is 16 people in one vehicle.
Children will need to be at least 1 meter tall to ride on the jet boat. It can be a long day for little ones, so we suggest this full-day tour for those 5 years and older.
If you do have young children, we recommend joining our standard half-day Glenorchy & Paradise Explorer which is only 4.5 hour’s return from Queenstown,
You need to bring a good attitude and a fun adventurous spirit. We will be exploring some of the most beautiful scenery. comfortable shoes and a couple of top layers are advised. If the day looks like it would rain, a raincoat would be a good idea. We have umbrellas on board.
For the jet boat ride, it is recommended to bring a warm jacket and hat, and warm gloves in the cooler months. Sunglasses are also recommended for the wind on the boat.
To drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes 45 minutes, however on our Altitude Glenorchy Tour it will be over an hour as we stop at key locations so you can take in the ultimate views and learn about the area – it’s a fascinating part of New Zealand and well worth being guided.
Yes we have a few optional short walks throughout the tour. These are very easy on flat land and no longer than 1km each.
Yes you can dress in Lord of the Rings costumes on tour, we have a few locations which will make your look like you are in the movie. We carry costumes and props on tour.
During your morning Altitude Tours sightseeing tour, your guide will set up a New Zealand (Kiwi) inspired morning tea in a picturesque outdoor location. You will be able to taste local delicacies such as cheese rolls, kiwi fruit, L&P, tea, coffee, and Whittakers chocolate.
After the morning experience, you will be dropped off in Glenorchy and you will have free time before your jet boat check-in. You can use this time to purchase lunch, which will be at your own expense. You could choose to sit at one of the different eateries or purchase food to enjoy by the lakefront.
We do not have any facilities to lift you into our vans, please get in touch to discuss your requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you.
TRANSPORT
Travel in premium style
Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with panoramic windows for superior viewing with complimentary wifi and onboard videos so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
