Dart River Jet Raises $5,000 for Glenorchy Primary's Outdoor Project

Ngāi Tahu Tourism operator Dart River has raised more than $5,000 in support of Glenorchy Primary School’s Outdoor Classroom project. 

A record number of locals from Queenstown, Glenorchy, Kingston, Arrowtown and Gibbston attended the annual Locals’ Weekend, to experience the wonders of the Dart River Valley and stunning Mt Aspiring National Park.

Glenorchy Primary School Principal Allie McHugo said they were “overwhelmed” with money raised from the Wilderness Jet and Funyak trips.

“We’re excited to transform the gravel site from the Old Heritage School building into a spectacular outdoor native classroom,” said Mrs McHugo. “We’re very grateful to locals and Dart River for helping us bring the outside area to life.”

The annual Locals’ Weekend specials included discounted Funyak trips ($219 off the standard price), and Wilderness Jet experiences ($179 discount for adults, and $114 discount for children).

Business manager Harald Ulriksen said there was a “huge” response from locals keen to get out on the river.

“The Funyak trips had to be capped several days in advance because they were just so popular,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to be presenting my second locals’ day cheque, and we’re so proud to help make a difference to schoolchildren in our stunning area.

“I’m particularly excited to see what local wildlife the garden attracts, and to hopefully buy some home-grown veggies from the students’ garden.”

Dart River Jet is owned and operated by Ngāi Tahu Tourism. It takes visitors on an exhilarating and spectacular journey, with a unique combination of breath-taking scenery, wilderness jet boating, Māori heritage and adventure.