Canyoning
Adventure Tours
Day Tours
Big Drops, Fast Slides and Remote Beauty
After lunch, equipment preparation and a briefing from your guides, begin an approximately five-hour descent through Waterfall Creek. Waterfall abseils, rocky downclimbs, natural slides and pools create a varied route that calls on your existing canyoning experience, coordination and stamina. Jumps and slides are optional, with your guides explaining the available alternatives.
At the bottom of the canyon, change into lighter clothing for the approximately one-hour walk back to the car park. The long approach, extended descent and return walk make this a substantial day in the wilderness, rewarding the effort with an experience of Abel Tasman’s remote interior.
Key Details
- Location: Remote Awaroa area, Abel Tasman National Park.
- Access: By road via Golden Bay.
- Duration: Approximately 12 hours, including transport, walking and canyon activities.
- Departure: Usually 6 am from Motueka or 7 am from Tākaka.
- Return: Approximately 6 pm in Motueka.
- Complimentary pick-up: Available from Motueka, Riwaka, Tākaka and Pōhara; arrange when booking.
- Minimum participants: Four people.
- Season: 1 October–30 April, subject to suitable conditions and availability.
Inclusions
- Experienced canyoning guides.
- Specialist canyoning equipment.
- 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 suitable for the extended approach and return walks.
- 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, Experience and Fitness Requirements
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- Experience: Previous canyoning experience and good coordination are required.
- Fitness: An excellent level of fitness is essential for the steep approach, extended canyon descent and return walk.
- Terrain: Expect steep, uneven and slippery ground, scrambling, downclimbing and repeated abseils.
- Water: Swimming and full submersion are involved. Discuss your swimming ability with the operator before booking if you have concerns.
- Heights: Participants will be exposed to heights of up to 30 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 so the operator can assess your suitability.
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.
