Dart River jet boat tour
One of the best memories from my NZ trip was an exhilarating jet boat ride on the dart rivers. The tour company we booked with was Dart Rivers the whole package of a 4WD coach from our accommodation, a walking tour in ancient beech forest, and a jet boat for half-day cost $269 each.
Into the ancient beech forest
The coach picked us up was at 7:45 am around the corner from our accommodation, still dark waiting for the sunrise the coach arrived. Driving from central Queenstown to Glenorchy. The first part of the tour was a walk-in ancient beech forest, unchanged for 80 million years. Advised to wear insect repellent from the sand flies. I was still bitten all over and have the war scars on my legs. Deep into the forest, you find one of the Lord of the rings, spinoff the Hobbits oversized chair pop for photo opportunities.
Dart River jet boat
Once we were out of the forest, it was time to be outfitted in the life jacket and sit in the 14-seater jet boat. Speeding across Aspiring National Park, Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Be prepared for going through thrilling hi-speeds of 55mph on the shallow waters. My mid-length hair was in knots, and icy cold-water splattering on our faces. The scenery is breathtaking, mountainous wilderness with 15 fiords.
Saigon Kingdom
Returning to Queenstown in the early afternoon we explored more of the adventurous town. Beach Street is full of boutique shops for men, women and gifts. Spotting the Saigon Kingdom, we made our way inside for some Vietnamese for dinner. Nothing beats a warm bowl of pho from the cold. A large bowl of pho bo noodle soup sets you back at $17.50 and the ha noi grilled pork meatballs $7 are not to be missed.
Saigon Kingdom Queenstown
88 Beach Street
Queenstown 9300