Glenorchy Scenic Tour with Dart River Jet Boat

Meet your guide in central Queenstown before setting off towards Glenorchy. With a small group on board, the day begins at an easy pace, giving you time to enjoy the scenery from the very start.

The drive along Lake Whakatipu is one of the highlights of the day. As the road follows the lake edge north, your guide makes scenic stops and shares local stories about the area, including the legends of Lake Whakatipu. It is a journey that feels just as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Once in Glenorchy, you will have time to explore the lakefront and take in the setting, including the iconic red boat shed. Small and full of character, Glenorchy offers a quieter contrast to Queenstown and serves as the gateway to the landscapes beyond.

From Glenorchy, the tour continues towards Diamond Lake and Paradise Valley. This part of the day brings wider views across the Dart and Rees Rivers, gravel roads, native forest, and the kind of mountain scenery that has made this area famous well beyond New Zealand. Movie-themed costumes and props are also available for those who want to have a little fun with the setting.

During the morning tour, your guide will set up a Kiwi-style morning tea in a scenic outdoor location. It is a relaxed pause in the day and includes local favourites such as cheese rolls, kiwifruit, L&P, tea, coffee, and Whittaker’s chocolate.

After the morning tour, return to Glenorchy township for some free time before the afternoon jet boat experience. You may choose to visit a local café for lunch, take a short walk, or spend time around the lakefront before check-in.

In the afternoon, join Dart River Adventures for a two-hour Dart River Wilderness Jet experience into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area. Travelling 90km along the crystal-clear Dart River, the experience combines thrilling jet boat travel with stops inside the national park, where your driver shares the area’s history, Māori legends, and unique flora and fauna.

The jet boat returns to Glenorchy, where Dart River Adventures will then transport you back to Queenstown by coach in the early evening. It is a full day that combines lakeside scenery, local character, and a genuine wilderness experience in one itinerary.

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.