Day Tours
Canyoning
Abseil, Slide and Splash Through Torrent River
Spend approximately 3.5 hours exploring a forested granite canyon, combining rope descents, natural rock slides, floats, scrambling and ziplining. Clear pools and sculpted rock features bring variety to the journey, while your guides explain how to approach each section. Jumps and slides are optional, with alternatives available under your guides’ direction.
The descent finishes at Cleopatra’s Pool, followed by an approximately 30-minute walk back to Anchorage. Collect your belongings, enjoy a snack and board the return water taxi to Mārahau. With the coast, forest and canyon all part of the experience, this is a rewarding way to discover Abel Tasman beyond its walking tracks.
Key Details
- Location: Abel Tasman National Park.
- Meeting point: Aqua Taxi base in Mārahau.
- Duration: Full day; allow approximately nine hours, depending on your meeting point and conditions.
- Canyon time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
- Walking: Approximately 1.5 hours to reach the canyon and 30 minutes back to Anchorage afterwards.
- Complimentary pick-up: Available from Motueka, Riwaka, Kaiteriteri and Mārahau; arrange when booking.
- Nelson transport: Can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Season: 1 October–30 April, subject to suitable conditions and availability.
Inclusions
- Experienced canyoning guides.
- Specialist canyoning equipment.
- Return water-taxi transfers between Mārahau and Anchorage.
- Lunch, snacks and drinks.
- Photos and videos of your adventure.
What to Bring
- Swimwear and a towel.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting wet.
- Lightweight clothing for the approach walk.
- A warm layer for the water-taxi journeys.
- Any personal medication required during the trip.
Your booking confirmation will specify your meeting point and pick-up time. Please advise dietary requirements when booking.
Age, Fitness and Participation Requirements
- Minimum age: 12 years.
- Under 16: A parent or guardian aged 18 or over must sign a consent form.
- Experience: Previous canyoning experience is not required.
- Fitness: A reasonable level of fitness is needed for the approach walk and several hours in the canyon.
- Water: Expect floating, swimming and full submersion. Discuss your swimming ability with the operator before booking if you have concerns.
- Terrain: The route includes uneven and slippery surfaces, scrambling and rope descents.
- Heights: Participants will be exposed to heights of up to 15 metres.
- Jumps and slides: Both are optional; follow your guides’ instructions on the available alternatives.
- Equipment: Everyone must fit the operator’s wetsuits and safety equipment.
Tell us about relevant medical conditions or participation concerns when booking.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
- 24+ hours before: Full refund**
- 12–24 hours before: 50% fee**
- Within 12 hours or no-show: No refund
**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
