LEADING SAFETY IN CANYONING FOR NEW ZEALAND

Being actively involved in the industry is super important to us at Canyoning New Zealand, and we believe leadership in safety is just as vital as delivering unforgettable adventures. That’s why we’re proud to go above and beyond commercial standards and to contribute to the 2026 review of the Canyoning Activity Safety Guidelines (ASG), the industry-agreed framework developed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa and WorkSafe New Zealand to guide best practice for managing risk in commercial canyoning across New Zealand.

These guidelines are widely recognised by auditors as the benchmark for demonstrating strong safety systems in guided canyoning operations. While not legally binding, they represent the collective experience and expertise of operators, safety professionals, and industry leaders who are committed to keeping adventure tourism progressive, practical, and safe.

What Are the Canyoning Activity Safety Guidelines (ASG)?

The Canyoning ASG exists to establish “good practice” for risk management in adventure tourism environments. They focus on the real hazards encountered in canyoning and set clear expectations for professional operations running guided trips in steep, water-filled, and dry canyons.

Key areas covered include:

• Risk Management: Practical systems for identifying and managing hazards in dynamic canyon environments
  
• Safety Focus: Managing risks such as flash floods, cold water exposure, and equipment failure
  
• Professional Standards: Training, competency, and decision-making for guides
  
• Operational Scope: Best practice for commercial, guided canyoning operations
  

These guidelines help ensure guests can focus on the thrill of abseiling waterfalls, sliding natural rock chutes, and swimming through sculpted gorges — knowing their experience is built on proven safety systems.

Contributing to the Industry We Love

This week, our Operations Manager and company owner, Ross Fraser, is in Christchurch contributing his on-the-ground expertise alongside other highly respected industry professionals as part of the annual ASG review process. This collaboration brings real operational insight into how the guidelines evolve, ensuring they stay relevant to modern canyoning practices and reflect the realities guides face in the field.

We’re genuinely proud to help shape the future of canyoning safety in New Zealand. For us, being part of this process isn’t just about compliance — it’s about stewardship of the sport, supporting the wider adventure tourism community, and continually raising the bar for what great guiding looks like.

Why This Matters for Our Guests

For our guests, this commitment means more than just ticking boxes. It means choosing a canyoning company that actively contributes to the safety standards of the entire industry, invests in professional development, and takes responsibility for how canyoning evolves in Aotearoa. We believe the best adventures are built on trust — and trust comes from doing the hard work behind the scenes, long before anyone steps into a wetsuit.

If you want to know more?  Check out: Support Adventure