Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour in Otago: An Adventure for the Brave and Curious
If you’re looking for a way to combine adventure, stunning scenery, and learning new skills, the Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour in Wanaka offers just that. While we haven’t personally tried it, detailed reviews and the tour’s structure suggest it’s an incredible experience for those who want a taste of adrenaline paired with breathtaking views.
What’s truly appealing about this trip are the challenging climbs, the up-close waterfall encounters, and the supportive guides who make the whole thing feel safe and accessible—even if you’re new to climbing or abseiling. The tour’s reputation for high safety standards and the opportunity to learn how to ascend and rappel make it a standout.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a physically active tour, lasting around 6 hours, and requires good fitness and the ability to navigate steep or uneven terrain. If you’re not comfortable with moderate physical activity, this might be more challenging than some other outdoor adventures.
This experience is a fantastic pick for adventurous beginners or anyone eager to push their boundaries, all while surrounded by New Zealand’s stunning mountain and lake scenery.
Key Points
- Accessible for beginners: No previous climbing or abseiling experience needed.
- All-in-one adventure: Combines climbing, canyoning, and waterfall exploration in one tour.
- Supportive guides: Experienced guides like Julius, Felix, and Jules prioritize safety and encouragement.
- Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking mountain, lake, and native bush views throughout.
- Physical demands: Active for about 5 hours; good fitness and balance are important.
- Value includes equipment and lunch: Safety gear, wetsuit, and a nourishing lunch are part of the package.
Looking for more options in Wanaka? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
An In-Depth Look at the Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour
The Itinerary: From Climbing to Waterfalls
The tour kicks off with a Level 1 cable climb, which is ideal for beginners but delivers enough of a thrill to get your adrenaline flowing. You’ll be supported by professional guides who patiently teach you the ropes, literally. This initial climb offers a fantastic opportunity to get comfortable with climbing techniques in a safe environment. According to one review, “Julius was very patient,” making even nervous first-timers feel confident.
Next, the adventure continues along a cliffside trail leading directly to the Twin Falls Waterfalls. Here, you’ll get incredibly close—standing right beside the cascading water—before taking the plunge with a controlled abseil (rappel) down the lower section of the waterfall. Reviewers appreciated the thrill of descending waterfalls, noting it as “a great introduction to the world of climbing.”
The final part of the tour involves crossing via a guided wire crossing, which adds a dash of excitement and tests your balance. Afterward, a short walk back to the starting point wraps up this 6-hour experience. Throughout, you’ll be surrounded by native bush and mountain scenery, which makes every moment visually rewarding.
The Guides and Safety Measures
Guides like Julius, Felix, and Jules receive high praise for their knowledge, patience, and encouragement. Their role isn’t just to lead but to educate and support, ensuring everyone feels safe and capable. Reviewers mentioned feeling very secure, even with no prior climbing experience, because of the attentive guidance.
Safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, wetsuits, and wetsuit socks are included, emphasizing the tour’s commitment to safety. Since no previous abseiling or climbing experience is required, the focus is on creating a fun, inclusive environment where beginners can learn confidently.
The Scenery: Mountain Peaks, Lakes, and Waterfalls
One of the tour’s highlights is the stunning views it offers. You’ll ascend near mountain cliffs, pass through native bush, and get a close-up look at waterfalls that seem to tumble from the sky. Reviewers often mention the “exceptional mountain and lake views”—a reminder of why New Zealand is renowned for its natural beauty.
The waterfalls themselves are the star attraction. Being right beside the rushing water provides a visceral sense of nature’s power, making the experience memorable. For many, this up-close encounter with waterfalls, combined with the physical activity, makes the trip stand out from typical scenic tours.
The Physical and Technical Aspects
While no prior experience is necessary, the tour does require participants to be moderately fit and comfortable walking on uneven, sometimes steep terrain. The up to 5 hours of activity demands stamina, but guides are there to support you through each step.
Learning to abseil is a core component, but the guides ensure everyone is trained and confident before proceeding. The inclusion of safety gear, wetsuits, and detailed instructions means you’re well-supported throughout. Reviewers noted that “you feel very safe” even when rappelling waterfalls, thanks to the knowledgeable staff.
Pricing and Value
At $201.45 per person, the tour offers good value, considering it includes training, safety equipment, wetsuits, lunch, and guided instruction. For an activity that combines adventure, scenery, and skill-building, this is a reasonable price point. The fact that it is booked, on average, 82 days in advance, also suggests it’s popular among those planning ahead.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience suits adventurous, fit beginners who want to try climbing and canyoning without prior experience. Nature lovers will appreciate the views and waterfalls, while thrill-seekers will enjoy rappelling down waterfalls. It’s ideal for friends, families (with teenagers), or solo travelers looking for a guided adventure that balances fun and safety.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This tour delivers a unique blend of physical activity and natural beauty. You’ll learn new skills in a safe environment, supported by guides who clearly care about your experience. The combination of climbing, waterfall abseiling, and scenic walks ensures you’ll leave with memorable stories—and maybe some new skills to show off.
The inclusion of equipment, lunch, and small group size (max 6 travelers) further enhances the value. It strikes a good balance between challenge and accessibility, making it a worthwhile option for those wanting something more active than a standard sightseeing trip.
If you’re craving adventure, love waterfalls, or just want to push your comfort zone in a beautiful setting, this tour offers a rewarding experience. Just remember to be prepared for some physical activity, and you’ll find yourself talking about this day long after it’s over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any climbing or abseiling experience?
No, previous experience isn’t required. The guides will teach you everything you need to know and support you throughout.
What is included in the price?
The price covers safety equipment (helmet, harness), wetsuit and socks, lunch (sandwich and snack), and guidance from experienced guides.
How physically demanding is the tour?
It’s active for around 5 hours and suitable for those with moderate fitness. You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and active for several hours.
What should I wear?
While clothing isn’t specified, bringing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for walking is advisable. Wetsuits are provided, but you might want to bring a change of clothes for after.
What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Twin Falls Waterfall, Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Treble Cone, and finishes back at the same location.
Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Yes, based on the reviews, it’s enjoyed by families with teenagers, but participants should be physically active and comfortable with heights.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people are in each group?
The experience is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers for a more personalized experience.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To sum it up, the Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour in Wanaka offers a carefully balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and learning. Perfect for those who want to try something active and memorable in New Zealand’s incredible landscape, it’s a trip that promises excitement and stunning vistas—whether you’re new to climbing or simply love waterfalls.