Do you yearn for a constant adrenaline rush and seek new adventures all the time? Then there is nothing better than canyoning in New Zealand. A mix of extreme experiences from abseiling, climbing, sliding, diving, and swimming, and it is not for the faint-hearted ones.

On top of it, explore the remote canyons with the jaw-dropping picturesque beauty of New Zealand. It would be nothing less than an adventure flick you have to watch. Let us take you on a tour of canyoning in New Zealand and where are the best places to enjoy this adventure sport.

6 Places For Canyoning In New Zealand

  • Leaping Burn Canyon
  • Routeburn Canyon
  • Sleeping God Canyon
  • Piha Canyon
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Gibbston valley

1. Leaping Burn Canyon

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Breathtakingly beautiful canyon sitting on the river Matukituki, underneath the enormous mountains, Leaping Burn is among the top favorites for canyoning in south island New Zealand for adventure lovers.

Plunge into crystal clear pools, abseil down the freezing waterfalls, walk along the ancient forest region and slide down the rocks to experience this canyon.

Canyoning season: 15th November to 15th April
Cost: NZD$490 per adult and min of two people. Group Canyoning is organized for NZD$400
Timings: 9 AM to 3 PM approx.
Suitable for: 16+ years with excellent swimming skills and fitness level

Must Read: 19 Adventure Sports In New Zealand


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2. Routeburn Canyon

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Hidden amidst the Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Lake Wakatipu shores is the mesmerizing Routeburn canyon, which will take you away from the bustle of Queenstown. Ensure an action-packed day full of abseiling, climbing, sliding, guiding, and swimming in the jaw-dropping hidden location for canyoning in Queenstown, New Zealand.

It is the same place where Hollywood flicks like Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbits were shot. A 20-minute walk will lead to the starting point where you would be provided with safety information and guidance by the expert guides.

Canyoning season: November to April
Cost: NZD$319 per adult, photos, and videos can be bought at $40
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM approx.
Suitable for: The canyoning here requires a high level of fitness and excellent swimming skills. It is ideal for 15+ years with the guidance of parents below 18 years.

Suggested Read: 24 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions

3. Sleeping God Canyon

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Are you willing to have a full day escapade? Then the Sleeping God Canyon is the best canyoning in New Zealand in the Coromandel region that awaits you. Rich in Maori as well as European history, explore the majestic mountains and conquer the high waterfalls in the canyon with a day packed with a thrilling experience.

The descent in the canyon is vertical and has a sturdy terrain followed by sliding, abseiling, and diving deep into plunge pools.

Canyoning season: Round the year
Cost: NZD$360 per adult
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM approx.
Suitable for: Age above 15 is must with the right fitness level and swimming skills

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places For New Zealand Water Sports That All Adventure Junkies Must Try

4. Piha Canyon

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The exhilarating experience in the Kitekite falls descending upon the narrow canyon with majestic Piha hills behind is what canyoning in Piha feels like. The otherwise inaccessible rugged, steep mountains, and clear natural pools are what you will get to see along with abseiling, swimming, and walking down the rocky lane in the canyon.

The best place to go for canyoning in New Zealand, Piha canyon, is finished off with a short trip to Lion rock and blake sand’s surf.

Canyoning season: All year round but the best time is in summers
Cost: NZD 215 for a full-day and NZD 185 for half day
Timings: 7.5 hours for full-day canyoning
Suitable for: Children above 12 years for a full-day tour; however, don’t complicate on what to wear for canyoning in New Zealand. Wear appropriate clothing, shoes, and sunscreen for sure!

Suggested Read: 10 Adventure Places In New Zealand That Will Give You An Adrenaline Rush

5. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

With picture-perfect landscapes and clear water of Torrent river, Abel Tasman National park lets you be amidst green bushes and blue waters. You would feel fortunate enough to have visited this exciting place to explore the raw wilderness with fearless people.

An adventurer for canyoning in New Zealand is excited for the end of the trip as it has a high slide in the Cleopatras pool followed by a brisk 30-minute walk where the water taxi will take you back.

Canyoning season: October to April
Cost: NZD 289 per person
Timings: 8 AM and 9:30 PM was depending upon the weather conditions.
Suitable for: Children above 12 years having excellent swimming skills

Suggested Read: Bungee Jumping In New Zealand: Feel The Thrill At These 10 Places And Satiate The Adventure Junkie Inside!

6. Gibbston Valley

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Canyoning with loads of water is what Gibbston valley offers to an adventure junkie. Canyoning in North Island New Zealand begins with a 30-minute walk to the starting point.

Expert guides will share necessary information along with providing safety equipment and gears. Start with a water slide followed by ten minutes of abseiling to gushing waterfalls navigating your way up the hill.

Canyoning season: October to April
Cost: NZD 215 per adult
Timings: 9 AM and 2 PM
Suitable for: Child above 12 years with no experience in Canyoning or swimming

Further Read: 10 Adventurous Trails Where You Can Go Hiking In New Zealand

Exploring the world-class deep hidden caves, pristine waters, and steep mountains is what canyoning in New Zealand lets you do. Ensure you take time out for canyoning to have a thrill worthy and jaw-dropping experience on your holiday trip to New Zealand.

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canyoning In New Zealand

What is famous in New Zealand to visit?

From Gigantic glaciers to sweep mountains to clear blue waters, New Zealand is packed with several magnificent attractions, wildlife, and hidden as well as unexplored places.

Is New Zealand safe to visit?

Yes, New Zealand is a safe country for tourists.

Which language do the people of New Zealand speak?

Maori is the official language in New Zealand, but the majority of them speak New Zealand English, which is quite similar to Australian English.


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Category: Adventure, New Zealand, Things To Do

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