The Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu flows south-southwest for 60 kilometres from its headwaters at the Dart Glacier in the Southern Alps, passing through Mount Aspiring National Park before emptying into the northern end of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy, roughly 68 kilometres from Queenstown. The river is glacially fed, which gives it notably clear water and a faster flow with greater volume than neighbouring rivers such as the Rees. Its braided character is typical of glacial rivers in this part of the South Island, with the channel weaving across a wide valley floor flanked by towering, snow-capped peaks and native beech forest.

For paddlers, the river is generally rated Class I/II, featuring wave trains, some Class II rapids, and stretches of flatwater including a newly formed lake. The glacial source means water levels and speed are influenced by snowmelt and seasonal temperatures, with flows potentially lower during dry summer spells. The road to the Dart Track car park, located approximately 76 kilometres northwest of Queenstown, involves fords and shallow creek crossings, making it unsuitable for standard rental vehicles even though 2WD vehicles can otherwise manage the route.

A common paddling approach involves setting up at the swing bridge after hiking in, then floating downstream. From the car park, a mostly flat trail with some challenging sections leads approximately seven hours to Daleys Flat Hut, making an overnight trip a practical option. The pull-out point is located about a hundred metres from the car park. Shuttle arrangements are possible for those not returning the same way.

The river valley sits within the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area. The surrounding landscape includes dramatic chasms, hidden side streams, and rock pools accessible from the water. The Rees-Dart Track, a multi-day tramping circuit, also passes through the valley, so paddlers should expect some foot traffic in the area. Commercial jet boat operations run on the river, which is worth factoring into trip planning, particularly on the lower sections closer to Glenorchy.