Canyoning means following a stream down through a gorge, using ropes, slides and jumps to get past the obstacles, and the mountains around Queenstown are ideal for it. A half-day trip takes you to a canyon in the hills outside town, where guides kit you out in a thick wetsuit, harness and helmet and lead you through a series of abseils, natural water slides and jumps into deep green pools. No previous experience is required, because the day is built around progressive challenges, starting with short, easy drops and building to bigger waterfalls as your confidence grows. The canyon environment is a world of its own, with ferns clinging to the walls, bright water and the muffled roar of falls, and it feels remote even though you are only a short drive from town. Canyoning suits people who want more of a physical and sensory experience than a bungy jump offers, and the group dynamic is lively and supportive.
How it works
The trip begins at the operator’s base in Queenstown, where you are fitted with a wetsuit, harness, helmet and boots and given a safety briefing. A vehicle transports the group to the canyon, usually with a short walk to the entry point. Once in the canyon, guides rig the ropes and demonstrate each obstacle, and you tackle them one by one. Jumps and slides are optional, and there is usually a walk-around alternative if you prefer to skip a particular drop.
What to expect
Expect to be wet and cold for much of the time, but active movement and thick wetsuits keep most people warm. The abseils are controlled by guides, and the slides and jumps are into pools of known depth. Weather and water levels affect the route, and trips are called off if rain makes the canyon unsafe.
Fitness requirements are modest, but you should be comfortable in water and happy to follow instructions on a rope. There is a minimum age, and some medical conditions may rule you out, so read the requirements when you book.
Making the most of it
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and bring a towel and warm clothes for afterwards. Leave jewellery and valuables at the hotel, and tie back long hair. Many trips include photographs, which are well worth buying, since you will not be carrying a camera. Summer is the most comfortable season, but the canyon is cool in any month.
After a half-day canyoning trip you will have time for lunch in town and a quieter afternoon, such as a lake walk or a visit to the Time Walk on Queenstown Hill. If you want a bigger challenge, operators offer longer trips in more remote canyons around Glenorchy and the Routeburn area, though these demand more fitness.
Good to know
Canyoning is physically more demanding than it looks, so rest well the night before and eat a solid breakfast. Wetsuit boots grip wet rock, and your guide will show you where to place your feet on slippery sections. If you are afraid of heights, tell the guide, who can talk you through the first abseil and let you go last. Photographs are usually taken by guides at key points, which saves you from carrying valuables into the canyon.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day canyoning trip with abseils, natural slides and optional jumps, with wetsuit, harness and helmet supplied.
Best time
Summer for warmer air, though the canyon stays cool in any month.
How long
Around four to five hours including transport, briefing and time in the canyon.
Tips
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit, bring warm clothes for afterwards and buy the photos rather than carrying a camera.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want a hands-on, water-based adventure that is a step beyond rafting.
- Families
- Open to older children and teenagers who meet the age and fitness requirements.
- Couples
- A shared challenge where you support each other through the drops and jumps.
- Pair with
- Lunch in town and a gentle afternoon walk on Queenstown Hill.
- Time needed
- Half a day, with transport included.
Good questions
Do I need canyoning experience?+
No. Trips begin with easy drops and build up, and guides run all the ropes and give instructions at each obstacle.
Do I have to do the jumps?+
Jumps and slides are optional, and there is usually a way to walk around a drop if you prefer.
What equipment is provided?+
Wetsuit, harness, helmet and boots are normally supplied. You bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes.
What if it rains?+
Heavy rain can raise water levels and make a canyon unsafe, so trips can be rescheduled or cancelled. Check the policy when you book.
Is there an age or fitness requirement?+
Yes. Minimum ages and medical limits apply, and you need to be comfortable in water, so read the requirements before booking.
