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South Island

Start: Motueka or Takaka
Locations: Motueka, Takaka
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 12 hours
Difficulty: 4
Minimum Age: 16

A True Wilderness Canyoning Challenge

Waterfall Creek Canyoning is not your average outdoor activity—it’s an expedition into one of New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring canyons. Set in the untouched wilderness of Awaroa, this trip starts with a riverside hike and climbs steeply through dense native bush. You’ll pass by towering trees close to 900 years old, surrounded by a forest that feels frozen in time.

The journey to the top is no small feat, with a 1.5-hour challenging uphill climb after a flat warm-up walk. Along the way, your guides share stories of local history and the natural environment, adding depth to the experience. By the time you reach the canyon’s summit at 400 metres, the anticipation for what’s ahead is sky-high.

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Big Drops, Fast Slides and Remote Beauty

Once geared up and briefed, the real adventure kicks off with a dramatic descent into Waterfall Creek. You’ll tackle fast natural slides, tricky downclimbs, bold jumps and some of the most impressive abseils in New Zealand canyoning. The environment is wild and untouched, creating a raw, immersive experience unlike any other.

This isn’t just about the thrill—it’s also about endurance and connection to the land. The canyon descent takes around five hours, testing your stamina and filling your memory bank with epic moments. Once you emerge, there’s a final one-hour walk back to the carpark, capping off a truly unforgettable day in the depths of the South Island wilderness.

Key Details

  • Location: Abel Tasman National Park
  • Departure: 6am from Motueka, 7am from Takaka
  • Return: Around 6pm in Motueka
  • Free pick up: Motueka, Riwaka, Takaka, Pohara
  • Minimum number of people: 3

Read Risk disclosure here.

INCLUSIONS

  • Professional guides
  • Gear
  • Photos and videos
  • Delicious lunch
  • Drinks
  • Heaps of snacks to keep you going

NEED TO BRING

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
  • Lightweight clothes for the walk in

Season: 1 October – 30 April

AGE INFO

  • Adult: 16 years +

CANCELLATION & REFUND

Cancellation by You

  • Cancel 24+ hours before for a full refund.**
  • Cancel 12–24 hours before for a 50% fee.**
  • No refund for cancellations within 12 hours or no-shows.

*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.

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