Have the thrill of a lifetime on a canyoning tour in the exquisite natural environment of Queenstown. You will jump off cliffs, plunge down waterfalls, drift on the river, maybe be a bit scared but you will have a lot of fun.

Canyoning in Queenstown is an excellent way to discover New Zealand’s natural wonders, so explore the choices of half and full-day canyoning tours.

Here's all you need to know about canyoning, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Queenstown.

What are the best canyoning tours in Queenstown?

Half-day canyoning tour in Gibbston Valley

Feel your adrenaline pumping as you take on this 4-hour canyon tour of the spectacular Kawarau Canyon from Queenstown. You will scramble up rugged rock faces, rope down waterfalls, and shoot along natural water slides for plenty of thrills.

Located just outside Queenstown in Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Canyon offers you a dramatic background to this adventure. You will be part of a small group of maximum 10 people and will also have an option of a morning or afternoon departure.

For this tour, no previous experience is required, as you will be fully instructed by a professional guide. After getting equipped for your outing, your canyoning instructor will brief you on the basic canyoning techniques and safety precautions. When you’re all set up, you will set off into spectacular Kawarau Canyon.

You will scramble up cliffs, abseil down cascading waterfalls and scoot down natural water slides. At the end of all the action, you can dry off and change into dry clothing, before returning to Queenstown.

Full-day canyoning tour at Mount Aspiring

For an even more adrenaline-packed excursion in the New Zealand countryside, you can join a full-day canyoning tour to Mount Aspiring. After meeting up with your experienced instructor in Queenstown, you will make your way to the Mount Aspiring National Park by bus.

Upon arrival at the UNESCO World Heritage area on the West Coast, you will be given the necessary equipment and briefed by your instructor on safety procedures and canyoning techniques.

Following a short walk into the New Zealand bush, your canyoning adventure begins! You will get to climb up and down, jump, slide and abseil down pumping waterfalls for about 4 to 5 hours. After you have had your fun, you will be guided back to the car park, to get changed and enjoy a picnic, before returning to Queenstown.

Queenstown helicopter flight and canyoning

Take your canyoning experience in Queenstown to another level with an exciting helicopter tour to start your adventure. Your excursion starts with a scenic flight over the Remarkables mountain range, on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu.

You will then fly into the canyon, to continue your action-packed tour on land. There you can enjoy the thrills of cliff abseiling, scooting along natural water slides and jumping down waterfalls.

At the end of your canyoning adventure, you will be served a delicious picnic lunch. To finish your excursion in style, you will return to Queenstown on board the Queenstown Water Taxi, cruising across the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu.

How much do canyoning tours in Queenstown cost?

Half-day canyoning tours cost US$140 per person, while full-day tours will set you back about US$280 per person.

For helicopter canyoning tours, expect to pay US$390 per person, with photos of your adventure costing an additional US$20.

What is included?

Courtesy shuttle transfers
All canyoning equipment
Full instruction from a professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch and refreshments
Helicopter and water taxi transfers (for helicopter canyoning tour)

Where does it start?

The meeting place for canyoning tours is at the Eichardt's Hotel in Marine Parade, or the Pub on Wharf restaurant in Queenstown. The meeting place for helicopter canyoning tours is in Beach Street, Frankton.

How long does it last?

Half-day canyoning tours in Gibbston Valley last 4 hours, while tours at Mount Aspiring can last 7 to 8 hours. Queenstown helicopter canyoning tours typically last about 6 hours, with 10 minutes of flight time.

When is the best time for a canyoning tour in Queenstown?

The best time for a canyoning tour in Queenstown is between October and April, when the weather is warm. Canyoning involves spending a lot of time in the water, which can get very cold in the New Zealand winter.

Is it safe?

Canyoning is safe, provided you are comfortable at swimming, water jumps and with heights. It is not recommended for people with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Minimum age for canyoning tours is 10 and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Canyoning tours in Queenstown are dependent on good weather. If your tour is canceled because of bad weather, the operator will offer you a different date or you can request a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Queenstown?

Travel tips

Make sure to book your canyoning tour in Queenstown in advance.
Bring energy-boosting snacks.
Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.