The 4 Best Kayak & Canoe Trips in Queenstown

1.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

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

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometers upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through side streams, chasms, and rock pools. Guides including Nikki, Rob, Ella, and JJ lead the day. Gear and picnic lunch are provided, but expect some real paddling.

“Worth every cent, a definite bucket list item!! Fun and knowledgeable guides, shout out to Rob, Wolfgang & Jordan for their local knowledge, rafting and jet boat experience. Incredible views, awesome fun, and a delicious lunch to top it all off. Would go again in a heartbeat, great work crew!!”

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2.Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day Trip

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

Ride a jet boat up the glacier-fed Dart River, then paddle a Funyak through calm water, rock pools, and Rockburn Chasm. Guides such as Ellie, Wolfgang, Georgia, and Dean bring safety and local stories to a full day that includes gear, lunch, transfers, and Paradise Valley.

“Recommend to anyone going to Queenstown. Way better value for money than Shotover!”

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3.Moke Lake Kayak Experience

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

Escape Queenstown for a 3.5-hour guided trip to peaceful Moke Lake. Paddle at your own pace after a clear safety briefing, enjoy mountain views, and return to tea, coffee, biscuits, and chocolate. Transport, kayak gear, and guide commentary are included.

“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

You’ll paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard around quiet, horseshoe-shaped Moke Lake, about 20 minutes from Queenstown. After a safety briefing, you set your own pace for 1.5 to 2 hours, then enjoy tea, coffee, and local snacks. Transport from Queenstown is optional.

“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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