Where to Go Canyoning in New Zealand
A fun activity mixing an element of danger and adventure, canyoning takes you through New Zealand’s extreme rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations. Climbing, jumping, ziplining, abseiling… you’re sure to be challenged. With expert guidance, equipment and a group of fearless people, you’re bound to have a blast. So where are the best places to go canyoning in New Zealand?
Canyoning is a seasonal activity (with some activity providers), usually operating between November and March. However, the more south you go the later the season is, for example, canyoning in Fiordland National Park is only open for February and March. Some activity providers may change their route or activity depending on weather conditions. So show up and see what adventure they take you on!
1. Wanaka
The Wanaka and Haast Pass canyons encompass world-class canyoning in true wilderness. Take on challenging rappels into forest pools. Book your Wanaka canyoning trip on Viator or Tripadvisor.
Location: South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Queenstown
Choose from the Queenstown Canyon, Routeburn Canyon, Earnslaw Canyon or Dart Canyon for the most challenging canyoning adventures in New Zealand, as well as some half-day options for a taste of canyoning. Book your Queenstown canyoning trip on Viator or Tripadvisor.
Location: South Island
3. Auckland
Piha Canyon and Blue Canyon in the Waitakere Ranges offer Auckland-based backpackers a canyoning option worth taking. There’s a volcanic valley waiting to be explored! How about going at night for an extra fright?
Location: North Island
© Krish Dulal on Wikipedia4. Geraldine
Located between Christchurch and Queenstown, Geraldine is home to the easiest canyon of the country. Perfect for those who want a little taste of canyoning without too much of as care.
Location: South Island
© Kaumira Canyon5. Thames
The Sleeping Gods Canyon tour is a 300m (984ft) vertical descent down the dramatic Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel. There are a steep set of waterfalls to rappel slide or jump off. One of which is an 80m (262ft) drop!
Location: North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Nelson
The city offers much more than golden sand beaches. There’seasy access to three major canyoning areas; Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Mt Richmond Forest Park. Just take your pick… but for an all-round experience pick Abel Tasman.
Location: South Island
© Abel Tasman Canyons7. Raglan
Even the “relaxing surf town of New Zealand” has a wild side. Go canyoning, climbing or caving on Mt Karioi near Raglan. Jump from waterfalls, scramble over volcanic boulders, and climb with the sheer force of a waterfall pounding your face!
Location: North Island
© NZPocketGuide.comWant More About Adrenaline Activities in the Water?
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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