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Ngāi Tahu Tourism business Dart River Adventures, situated near Queenstown, is scheduled to reopen from 3rd December.

The Dart River Wilderness Jet and Funyaks (inflatable kayaks) will be back on offer from summer 2020-21 with adjusted pricing and operating hours to accommodate the domestic market.

The venture can reopen thanks to funding from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP). The business has been paused since the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

Ngāi Tahu Holdings Chief Executive Mike Pohio says that a key outcome from receiving the funding is being able to help support small towns such as Glenorchy, where Dart River Adventures is based.

Pohio notes “the re-opening of Dart River Adventures is a great milestone not only for Ngāi Tahu Tourism, but for Glenorchy and the greater Queenstown community.

“The towns and regions in which we operate our tourism businesses are deeply important to us. We are thrilled to return to these communities and renew and re-affirm our commitment to the areas and the tourism industry.”

Dart River Adventures gives manuhiri (visitors) a chance to immerse themselves in authentic experiences in the internationally renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Manuhiri can choose from a half-day jet boating trip and a full-day combination jet boat and Funyak trip.

Pohio adds “we are excited to be welcoming manuhiri back to Dart River to showcase the amazing experiences New Zealanders can have in their own backyard.”

The reopening of Dart River Adventures will bring the total number of open Ngāi Tahu Tourism businesses to six: Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters in Queenstown, Hukafalls Jet, Shotover Jet in Queenstown, Dark Sky Project, and Franz Josef Glacier heli hikes (with Franz Josef Glacier Guides providing guiding services to The Helicopter Line). Hollyford Track reopens on 1 January 2021.

Dart River Adventures will re-open from December to 30th April from Thursdays to Mondays (inclusive).

The Wilderness Jet half-day trip, including return bus transport from Queenstown, is $209 per adult and $138 per child. The full-day Funyak and jet boat trip is $299 per adult and $229 per child. All rates are a 25% discount on standard rates.

Bookings will be available on the Dart River Adventures’ website from 14th September.

Images courtesy of Dart River Adventures

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