The Arrowtown Fire Brigade was called to the Kawarau River, near the AJ Hackett Bungy Dome, shortly before 9pm on Tuesday to rescue the Rhodesian ridgeback cross dog.
Arrowtown Chief Fire Officer Murray Forward said:
''He's gone in, chasing some ducks probably, got picked up by the current and deposited quite a considerable length downstream.''
The dog had climbed up on to a bluff but it was too steep for him to climb any further.
''We were setting up a line rescue but we ran out of light; same with a helicopter, to get that in.
''So had to abandon it and go to plan C.''
The brigade returned at 6am yesterday in Neville Kelly's private jet-boat.
Two firefighters climbed up to the bluff and retrieved the dog, who was reunited with his owners, a young couple from the North Island.
''The owners were very grateful. The dog got back on the beach, grabbed a stick and wanted playtime - it was none the worst for its overnight expedition in the bush.''
