The 4 Canoe & Kayak Trips in Queenstown to Book First

1.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273Our pick

Ride a jet boat upriver into Mt. Aspiring National Park, then paddle a stable inflatable funyak past side streams, rock pools, and a gorge. Guides such as Nikki, Rob, and Ella lead the trip, with gear, picnic lunch, and soft drinks included. You can take a return coach from Queenstown or meet the group in Glenorchy.

“We had an amazing trip! All of the staff were upbeat and knowledgeable! Ellie and JJ were an absolute blast. The sand flies were a pest but not enough to make the trip bad. Our favorite park was kayaking into the chasm and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters before lunch. Highly recommend this duo trip of jet boat and funyak to experience all the Dart river has to offer!”

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2.Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 148 reviews · 390 - 510 minutes · from $256

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then ride a jet boat up the Dart River before paddling back downstream in an inflatable Funyak. Guides provide the gear, lead you through river scenery and chasms, and serve a buffet lunch. The day ends with a backroad trip through Paradise Valley, known for film locations.

“A fantastic day in a wilderness area. Our guides, Ellie and Wolfgang, were thoroughly professional and very organised. Overall leader Georgia was excellent as well. Rockburn Chasm was the highlight of the day. Lunch on the edge of the river was fabulous as well. Thanks to all at Dart River Adventures.”

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3.Moke Lake Kayak Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $111

Leave Queenstown at 9am for a short guided drive to Moke Lake, where you’ll get a safety briefing, a map and kayaking gear before paddling at your own pace. The group is limited to eight. Afterward, warm up with tea or coffee, biscuits and chocolate. Guide Mackenzie is among the friendly local hosts.

“Really fun kayaking trip with Ben. The drive to the lake was informative Re: scenery and history. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The paddle time was perfect, as was the biscuits and tea afterwards. We even had a chance to stop to observe some sheep! Really great day - and a nice relaxing activity to do while in Queenstown-Wakatipu!”

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4.Kayaking or SUP Experience on Moke Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 23 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89Best value

Spend up to two hours kayaking or paddleboarding on Moke Lake, about 20 minutes from Queenstown. Paddle at your own pace after a safety briefing, then warm up with tea, coffee, and snacks. You can arrange return transport or drive yourself. Groups are limited to eight, and the lake can be windy.

“Kayak was fantastic we got a perfect morning loved seeing the wild life both on and in the lake. One of the best tours we did while in Queenstown!”

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