Queenstown

Jet-Boat Rides

Dart River Safaris. With Dart River Safaris you can get a nonpareil look at rugged Mt. Aspiring National Park, one of the most spectacular parts of South Island. The Safari route includes jet-boating on the upper and lower Dart River, along with a bit of walking. The longer Heritage Trail takes private charters on a jet-boat and walking trip with a historic focus. The Funyak option takes you upstream by jet-boat, then you paddle gently downstream, exploring the Rockburn Chasm on the way. Shuttle buses depart daily from Queenstown for the 45-minute ride to the boats. Costs range from NZ$219 plus transfer to NZ$289 plus transfer. Even though the company provides you with rain gear, wear another raincoat under it. You're going to get extremely wet. Corner of Camp and Shotover St., Queenstown, 9300. 0800/327-853. www.dartriver.co.nz.

Shotover Jet. Shotover Jet leads high-speed, heart-stopping rides in the Shotover River canyons; it's got exclusive rights to operate in these waters. The boat pirouettes within inches of canyon walls. The boats are based at the Shotover Jet Beach beneath the historic Edith Cavell Bridge, a 10-minute drive from Queenstown. If you don't have transport, a free shuttle makes frequent daily runs. Reservations are essential. Costs start at NZ$119. Gorge Rd., over the Edith Cavell Bridge at Arthur's Point, Queenstown, 9300. 03/442-8570. www.shotoverjet.co.nz..

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bungy Jumping
• Hiking
• Horse Trekking
• Jet-Boat Rides
• Paragliding

• Rafting
• Sailing
• Scenic Flights
• Skiing