Intermediate Canyoning Adventure from Wanaka

Oct-Apr

South Island

Deep Canyon

from

NZ$460

per person

Canyoner abseiling down a steep waterfall in Big Nige Canyon near Wānaka.

Experiences

Canyoning

Adventure Tours

Day Tours

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: 3

Minimum Age: 14

Details

Experience the Best of NZ Canyoning in Mt Aspiring National Park

This full-day intermediate canyoning experience takes you deep into the wild beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park. Designed for fit, confident adventurers aged 14 and over, you’ll tackle a mix of abseils, natural slides, and jumps in stunning alpine canyons. Choose between two exciting options—Robinson Creek or Big Nige—based on your comfort and adventure style.

Expect lush rainforest hikes, exhilarating descents through flowing waterfalls, and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you prefer a focus on abseiling or a more dynamic, technical challenge, both trips deliver an unforgettable day of canyoning in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

Two Canyoning Routes to Choose From:

Robinson Creek

Ideal for those who love abseiling over jumping
Up to 8 abseils (max height: 25 m), including a dramatic ‘cavern rappel’
15–25 minute scenic rainforest walk to start
Features scrambling, swimming, and steady descents
No abseiling experience required, but confidence in the water is essential

Big Nige (upper Niger Stream)

More technical and physically demanding
Includes 4 abseils (up to 24 m), a 2 m jump, and a 4 m natural slide
Begins with a steep 35–45 minute ascent
Suited to those with high fitness, strong swimming ability, and no fear of heights
Operates in small groups of 4–5 for maximum safety and guidance

HIGHLIGHTS

Adventure through the 'steeper and deeper' Big Nige or the dramatic Robinson Creek.
Experience abseiling in strong water flows, taking you behind and into stunning waterfalls.
Enjoy the wilderness feel of Robinson Creek, with a focus on abseiling from great heights.
Start your journey with a scenic walk through lush rainforests, preparing you for the challenges ahead.

Smiling canyoner gives a thumbs up while sliding down a natural rock chute in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Canyoner halfway down a gushing waterfall surrounded by dense native bush on the Intermediate Tour.

Canyoning guide overseeing a client starting an abseil over a high rocky ledge in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Canyoner descending through a narrow rock chute above a deep pool in a forest canyon near Wanaka.

Canyoners descending smooth schist rock walls with ropes in Wai Rata Canyon.

Canyoner mid-jump into a clear canyon pool during the Wai Rata adventure.

Canyoner walking through narrow gorge walls in Mill Creek Canyon near Wānaka.

Canyoners jumping beside a waterfall in Mill Creek Canyon, shown in sequence.

Canyoner descending a waterfall in Imp Grotto, with another person waiting in the emerald pool below.

Canyoner preparing to jump into a clear rock pool surrounded by lush forest in Imp Grotto.

Canyoner abseiling into a narrow chasm at Imp Grotto, roped from above through mossy rock walls.

Canyoner abseiling down a narrow schist canyon in Imp Grotto near Wānaka.

Canyon guide supporting a participant through a waterfall rappel in Wai Rata Canyon.

Canyoner abseiling down a narrow rock chute in Wai Rata Canyon while another person observes below.

Two canyoners standing in front of a massive cavern waterfall in Robinson Creek near Wānaka.

Steep canyoning descent in Big Nige with Deep Canyon near Wānaka, featuring dramatic schist walls.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

All necessary canyoning gear and safety equipment.
Experienced and professional guides to ensure safety and provide instruction.
A variety of challenges, including up to 8 abseils, optional jumps, and scenic swims.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Essential to have good fitness, swimming ability, and comfort with heights.
The duration in the canyon is typically 4-5 hours, requiring agility and confidence in following instructions.
Group sizes are kept small (max 4-5 for Big Nige) to maintain a personal and immersive experience.
Season 15 Oct to 20 April
9am to 5pm approximately

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring with you a swimsuit or merino or synthetic top and shorts or leggings (not cotton) to wear under the wetsuit
A towel for afterwards
Sandfly or insect repellent can be helpful.
Any medication if required
We supply footwear (shoes get very wet)
Please do not bring valuables with you
All equipment is provided
Glasses can be worn but we advise securing with straps, contact lenses are better

AGE INFORMATION

Minimum age: 14 years

CANCELLATION POLICY

More than 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund
Changes to the booking date may incur an additional charge

Note: **Excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Frequently asked questions

Please read and accept important safety information before booking a trip

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND SAFETY DECLARATION

The Client acknowledges and agree:

That the activities offered, including but not limited to canyoning, swimming, walking, sliding, jumping and abseiling/rappelling and the travel to and from and within the activity locations provided by Deep Canyon inherently involve risks which may result in property damage or loss, serious or fatal injury.

That weather, rocks, vegetation, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, drowning, falling, or equipment failure are an ever-present hazard when canyoning, and travelling to and from and within the activity locations.

The Client will follow all instructions given by Deep Canyon Guides at all times.

The Client has disclosed all relevant medical, physical, and mental conditions prior to Booking.

Deep Canyon reserves the right to withdraw any person who in their opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. Deep Canyon also reserves the right to cancel any activity if they become concerned for any reason for my safety or that of any other person.

The Client will always follow Deep Canyon’s instructions and use all the safety equipment provided. For the above reasons the Client accepts the inherent and increased dangers and risks associated with the Trip and the accompanying risk of injury, death or property damage or loss.

The Client assumes all risks and release all persons, entities or contractors connected with Deep Canyon from all liability for any injuries, damages, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, loss of profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise and from any claim by the Client, their family, estate, agents or assigns arising in any way from the Client’s participation in all, and any activities connected with Deep Canyon.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 2015

Deep Canyon will take all reasonable endeavours to meet all obligations in relation to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

The Client agrees to comply with all health and safety requirements of Deep Canyon throughout the Booking in order to enable Deep Canyon to meet their obligations in relation to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

The Client agrees to take all steps necessary to;

Ensure their own health and safety; and
To ensure the health and safety of their servants, agents, attendees or any person on the Trip; and
Ensure that no action or inaction by themselves or their servants, agents, attendees or any person on the Trip causes harm or risk to the health and safety of any other person.

Well people have, but you need wipers… Contact lenses are fine.

Swimming ability isn’t essential, and many non-swimmers have thoroughly enjoyed their canyoning experience. However, we don’t recommend high-flow trips for non-swimmers, and some canyons are more suitable than others.

If you're unsure, please contact us and we’re happy to discuss the best options for your group. For extra support, we can provide an additional guide to assist non-swimmers in the water (extra cost).

To reach Wanaka from major cities in New Zealand, you have a few transportation options available. Here's a breakdown of the common ways to get to Wanaka:

By Air: The nearest international airport to Wanaka is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), which is approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) away. You can fly to Queenstown from major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; as well as on trans-Tasman flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Once you arrive at Queenstown Airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or arrange a private transfer to reach Wanaka.

By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car from major cities like Christchurch or Queenstown and take a scenic road trip to Wanaka. The journey from Christchurch to Wanaka takes around 4-5 hours, while the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is approximately 1 hour.
By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes between major cities and Wanaka. Intercity and Naked Bus are popular options that offer regular services connecting cities like Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin to Wanaka. The bus journey durations vary depending on the departure location.
By Private Transfer: Private transfer services, such as shuttles or taxis, can be arranged from Queenstown to take you directly to Wanaka. These transfers provide convenience and comfort, and you can book them in advance.

It's important to consider travel times, availability, and your personal preferences when deciding on the best mode of transportation to reach Wanaka from major cities in New Zealand.