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Dart River Safaris and Funyaks:
Dart River Safaris have been operating jet boats since
1988. You are taken by minibus from Queenstown to the remote town of
Glenorchy. (about 45 minutes) Once kitted out with all the appropriate river equipment, you experience the action thrills of one of
the world's most scenic untouched wilderness jet-boat
rides through shallow braided channels, to the upper reaches of
the Dart River.
Your journey takes you around 37km
up the Dart River Valley from near the mouth of the Rees River into the corridors of the
Mount Aspiring National Park, (world heritage area) experiencing
a short native bush walk in Paradise
on the way and see locations of filming spots for Middle
Earth featured in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Paradise was actually named after
the Paradise Duck – a local feathered inhabitant.
For those who have seen the Lord of the Rings movies, Paradise
was used for scenes in Lothlorien, Isengard, Fangorn and
Amon Hen.
Well, we all knew our scenery was
spectacular, even before the first film came out, but this
one clinches it. Spectacular shots of Isengard nestled in
the valley of Nan Curunir is where Dart River
Safari's jet boat every day here in the South Island of New Zealand.
The computer wizardry of Weta Studios superimposed
Isengard and the tower of Orthanc right on top of
the Dart River. And if that's not enough, the opening
scene which has the camera sweeping alongside dramatic
mountains, is sweeping alongside Mount Earnslaw, right
before it dives inside to let us know of Gandalfs fight
with the Balrog in The Lord of the Rings.
But the best is still to come: Leave the comfort of your Dart
River jet boat and be entranced by bird songs and
cascading waterfalls as you serenely float down the Dart
River.
The comfortable and stable inflatable canoes (Canadian
Style) "Funyaks" as they are called are the ideal means
for your soft adventure.
The Rockburn chasm, a narrow gorge with deep crystal
clear waters may well be the highlight of your day's exploring,
accompanied by a locally made lunch.
Reservations are essential, through guest services staff at Lake Vista Bed and Breakfast.
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