Wanaka: Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour

Exploring New Zealand’s South Island often means venturing into its stunning, rugged wilderness, and few experiences capture that spirit quite like the Wanaka Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour offered by Wildwire Wanaka. While we haven’t personally strapped into the harness, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a compelling picture of a half-day adventure that combines adrenaline, nature, and a healthy dose of fun — even for those new to climbing or canyoning.

What makes this trip stand out? First, it’s a perfect blend of climbing and canyoning—a rare chance to try both in one tour. Second, the guides are praised for their knowledge and support, ensuring safety without sacrificing fun. Lastly, the stunning mountain and lake views along the way promise to leave you breathless, quite literally. However, a possible consideration is the physical demand: you need to be fit and comfortable on uneven terrain, as this isn’t a sit-and-watch kind of excursion. This tour is ideal for adventurous, fit beginners who want an active day out and a little bit of an adrenaline rush.

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Key Points

Balanced adventure: Combines climbing and canyoning, perfect for trying two activities in one trip.
Guided support: Experienced guides help at every step, with safety training included.
Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking mountain and lake vistas throughout.
Accessible for beginners: No prior experience needed, but good fitness is important.
All equipment provided: Wetsuits, safety gear, and training are included in the price.
Small group size: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour

The day begins with a scenic drive from Wanaka, heading west along the lake towards Treble Cone Ski Field and Mt. Aspiring National Park. About 20 minutes into the journey, you’ll pull over at a cattle stop in front of two impressive waterfalls—your starting point. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who is typically an experienced professional, ready to walk you through the safety instructions and gear up with wetsuits and equipment.

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The Climb at Twin Falls Waterfall

The first stop involves tackling a Level 1 cable climb. This section is designed to introduce you to basic climbing techniques, with guidance to help you get comfortable at height. The guides emphasize safety, providing training and reassurance—which is reassuring for first-timers. The climb itself offers close-up views of the waterfall and the surrounding native bush, allowing you to truly connect with the environment.

Transition to Canyoning

After the climb, you’ll follow a cliffside trail to the next waterfall. This part of the tour transitions seamlessly into canyoning, where the real adrenaline begins. You’ll get up close and personal with the lower section of Twin Falls Waterfalls by abseiling, or rappelling, down the rocks and waterfalls. The guides support you through this—no prior experience needed—and the process is broken down into manageable steps.

The Rappelling Experience

Feeling the rush of rappelling down 6 waterfalls is a highlight. Many reviews mention how safe and supported they felt during this part, thanks to guides who know exactly how to make everyone feel confident. From a reviewer: “We loved the way the guides explained everything clearly and made sure everyone was comfortable with the ropes and safety gear.” The tour concludes with a crossing on a guided wire and a short walk back to the base.

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Scenery and Nature

Throughout the tour, you’ll be surrounded by native bush, mountain peaks, and Lake Wanaka in the distance. The views are a significant part of what makes this experience worthwhile. The combination of physical activity and natural beauty makes for memorable photos and stories to tell.

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Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 6 hours, making it a substantial but manageable activity. Small groups of up to 6 participants mean you’ll receive personalized attention and the chance to do some detours or extra fun if you’re feeling adventurous—something one reviewer appreciated, noting that their small group allowed for a more flexible experience.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

The value here isn’t just in the thrill but also in the skills and confidence you’ll gain. The guides do an excellent job of teaching basic climbing and rappel skills, which means you come away with knowledge you could build on. Plus, all the safety equipment, wetsuits, and lunch are included, so there’s no need to worry about bringing too much. The cost of $193 per person reflects a well-organized, all-inclusive experience tailored for those wanting a fun, active day out.

Why It’s Worth It

Compared to other adventure activities, this experience offers a mix of adventure, scenery, and learning—ideal for those who like to mix physical activity with appreciating New Zealand’s natural beauty. It’s especially appealing for beginners because no prior experience is needed, and guides are highly praised for their professionalism and patience.

Considerations

The main consideration is fitness. You will be active for up to 5 hours, walking on uneven and sometimes exposed terrain. The tour is not suitable for children under 14, or those under 3’9″ or weighing less than 88 lbs, and there are weight and height restrictions for safety. Participants should be comfortable with heights and active on their feet.

Practical Details: Booking, Meeting, and What to Bring

Booking is straightforward, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. The meeting point is just a short drive from Wanaka town, at a locked farm gate in front of the waterfalls. The tour starts in the morning, with a typical duration of 6 hours.

What to bring? Pack swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes to get wet, and water. You’ll be provided with wetsuits, safety gear, and lunch, but waterproof phone or camera cases are optional if you want photos of your adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is a fantastic choice for adventurous beginners who want a physically active day with a focus on safety and support. It’s suitable for those who enjoy nature, heights, and a splash of adrenaline but are not experienced climbers or canyoners. If you’re comfortable walking on uneven terrain and are in good shape, you’ll find this a rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts

The Wanaka Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour balances adventure, scenery, and education in a way that offers genuine value for travelers seeking a memorable outdoor activity. It’s a well-organized, small-group experience that allows you to learn new skills while surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

Whether you’re celebrating an outdoor-loving spirit, looking to conquer your fears, or simply want a unique way to explore the region, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for those wanting an active day with plenty of support and safety from experienced guides who care about your experience.

For travelers craving a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty, with a touch of learning, this is one adventure you won’t forget.

FAQ

Is previous climbing or canyoning experience necessary? No, this tour is designed for beginners, and guides will give you full training and support.

How fit do I need to be? You should be able to walk on uneven terrain, be active for up to 5 hours, and have a good level of fitness.

What is included in the price? The tour price includes an experienced guide, safety training, safety equipment, wetsuit, wetsuit socks, and lunch.

Do I need to bring my own gear? No, all necessary safety gear, wetsuits, and wetsuit socks are provided.

Can children participate? No, this tour is suitable only for participants 14 years and older.

What should I wear? Pack sturdy shoes suitable for wet conditions, swimwear, and a towel.

How long is the tour? The experience lasts approximately 6 hours.

Where do I meet? The meeting point is at a farm gate in front of the waterfalls, just off Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road.

Is transportation provided? Participants meet at the designated location; transportation from Wanaka town is not included.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In summary, the Wanaka Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour offers a mix of outdoor adventure, spectacular scenery, and beginner-friendly activities supported by expert guides. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to try something active, fun, and genuinely memorable in New Zealand’s stunning landscape.