Quick Details
8.30am Queenstown Departure
Transport from Queenstown
NZ$ 599
10.30am Meeting Time
Self Driving to Makarora
NZ$ 499
Private Tour
up to 6 pax
NZ$ 3594
Optional Add-Ons:
Photo Package
Optional Add-On | Capture your experience!
NZ$ 49
Branded Hat / T-shirt
Optional Add-On
NZ$ 79
The Ultimate Mt Aspiring Canyoning Experience
★★★★★ Rated by 1000+ Adventurers | Locally Owned & Operated | Safety Certified
Departing from Queenstown daily – 8:30am
Includes return transport, premium canyoning equipment, expert guide and a fresh picnic-style lunch.
Bigger Waterfalls. Bigger Abseils. Bigger Adventure!
Hidden deep within the UNESCO World Heritage wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park lies our most spectacular canyoning adventure—and the undisputed favourite among our guides and staff.
This is not just canyoning — it’s a full immersion into one of New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring alpine environments. Surrounded by towering mountains, ancient beech forest, crystal-clear glacier feed pools and dramatic rock formations, you’ll journey through a landscape shaped by water over thousands of years.
Designed for adventurous travellers seeking something bigger, the Mt Aspiring XXL Adventure takes everything you love about canyoning to the next level. Expect larger waterfalls, more water, bigger abseils and unforgettable natural features as you make your way deeper into the canyon.
The signature moment of the experience is an incredible 30-metre abseil into a spectacular hidden cavern — a jaw-dropping descent that sets this adventure apart from anything else in the region. Lower yourself beside a cascading waterfall and descend into the beauty of this remarkable natural chamber, surrounded by towering rock walls sculpted by centuries of flowing water. It’s an unforgettable challenge and a highlight you’ll be talking about long after the day is over.
It’s this combination of epic scenery, exciting challenges and unique canyon features that makes the XXL our staff favourite. Ask any of our guides which trip they’d choose for themselves, and this is often the one at the top of the list.
Along the way, you’ll abseil beside waterfalls, swim through crystal-clear pools, navigate sculpted rock formations and explore sections of pristine wilderness accessible only with our experienced guides.
Despite its adventurous nature, no previous canyoning experience is required. With expert instruction, small groups and supportive guides, this trip is designed for confident adventurers looking to experience the very best of the Mt Aspiring National Park.
If you’re searching for a true wilderness expedition, bigger challenges and one of the most unique canyoning experiences in New Zealand, this is the adventure for you!
-
No Experience? No Problem!
You don’t need any previous canyoning experience to join this adventure. Our qualified guides will provide all the training and support you need throughout the trip.
To get the most out of your experience, you’ll need a medium level of fitness, to be able to swim without wearing a life jacket, be comfortable with heights and be able to understand and follow instructions in English. Participants should be physically capable of walking, climbing, scrambling over uneven terrain, and moving confidently while wearing a wetsuit for up to three and a half hours.
For safety reasons, all participants must be able to complete the activity within the required time frame. Final participation is at the discretion of your guide, who will assess suitability on the day to ensure your safety.
If you’re unsure whether this adventure is right for you, we’d love to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your suitability before booking.
-
Meet Your Guides
8:15am
Meet your guide at our one central Queenstown pick-up location, outside the Eichardts Hotel. After check-in, we’ll run through a brief safety overview and answer any last-minute questions before setting off.Canyoning Check in – This is an on the street pick up, please be waiting on the street outside the Eichardts Hotel ready for your pick up!
Address: 2 Marine Parade, Queenstown, 9300
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pK9XELRkRrU83L1Z8Journey Into the Southern Alps
8:30am
Depart Queenstown and enjoy the spectacular drive through Central Otago and the Southern Alps as we make our way towards the remote wilderness of Makarora.Wanaka Pick-Up
9:30am
We’ll stop in Wanaka to collect any guests joining from our central Wanaka meeting point outside the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre, 103 Ardmore Street.Wanaka Pick Up – This is an on the street pick up, please be waiting on the street outside the Wanaka iSITE Visitor Centre!
Address: 103 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwWWF4W2yyYTyQ2V8Refreshment Stop in Makarora
10:30am
Arrive in Makarora, where we’ll take a short break to use the facilities, stretch our legs, pick up our freshly made lunches and prepare for the adventure ahead.Makarora Self Drive Meeting Location – This is a meeting point, please be waiting at the Makarora Cafe with your vehicle and you will follow us to the canyon from here.
Address: 5507 Makarora-Lake Hawea Road, Makarora, 9382
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sEU6AFeE7Mte8AvV8Gear Up for Adventure
11:30am
Arrive at the canyon and get fitted with your canyoning equipment, including your wetsuit, helmet, harness, socks and shoes and safety gear.Into the Wilderness
11:45am
Begin with a short 20-minute walk into the canyon before receiving your final safety briefing and canyoning instruction from your guides.The XXL Adventure Begins
12:40pm
It’s time to enter the canyon, abseil beside waterfalls, swim through crystal-clear pools, scramble through dramatic rock formations and take on bigger challenges as you journey deeper into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness environments.The highlight of the day is an incredible 30-metre abseil into a hidden cavern, a breathtaking descent that makes this adventure unlike anything else in the region.
Change & Refuel
3:40pm
After completing the canyon, you’ll change into dry clothes and enjoy a well-earned picnic-style lunch while reflecting on an unforgettable day in the wilderness.Return Journey
4:30pm
Depart Makarora and begin the scenic drive back through Wanaka and Central Otago towards Queenstown.Arrive Back in Queenstown
6:30pm
Return to Queenstown with epic memories, incredible photos and the satisfaction of completing one of New Zealand’s most unique canyoning adventures. -
You’ll be too busy enjoying the adventure to worry about taking photos – that’s where we come in.
Throughout your canyoning experience, your guide will capture the action with professional photos, from waterfall abseils and natural rock slides to the laughs, challenges and unforgettable moments shared along the way.
After your adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to view and purchase your photos, giving you a lasting reminder of your time in the canyon. Whether you’re sharing your experience with friends and family or reliving the excitement years from now, these images are the perfect way to remember your Queenstown adventure.
Because some memories are simply too good to leave behind.
-
A fresh picnic-style lunch is included, with your choice of a meat or vegetarian sandwich to keep you fuelled for the adventure.
-
Everything you need for an unforgettable canyoning adventure is included:
✓ Premium canyoning equipment, including wetsuit, helmet and harness, socks and shoes
✓ Qualified and experienced canyoning guides
✓ Return transport from Queenstown
✓ Comprehensive safety briefing and instruction
✓ Fresh picnic style lunch
Just bring your swimwear, a towel and your sense of adventure — we’ll take care of the rest.
-
We’ve got all the technical gear covered. All you need to bring is:
✓ Swimwear to wear under your wetsuit
✓ A towel for after the adventure
✓ A water bottle and light snack
✓ Any personal medications you may require
That’s it! We’ll provide all canyoning equipment, safety gear and expert instruction throughout your adventure.
-
Participants must be at least 16 years old to join this adventure.
For guests aged 16 and 17 years, a responsible supervisor aged 21 years or older must accompany them on the tour.
Participants aged 16 years requires their legal guardian to sign our risk disclosure before travel.
While there is no legal maximum age limit, this adventure is physically demanding and requires a moderate level of fitness. Guests aged 60 years and over are welcome to participate, provided they understand the physical requirements and safety considerations of the trip.
If you are over 60 and would like to join this adventure, please contact our friendly team before booking. We’ll be happy to discuss the activity and help determine whether it’s the right fit for you.
-
Your safety is our priority.
Canyoning New Zealand is independently safety audited every year and operates to the highest adventure activity standards. As part of our responsibility, we ensure all participants understand the risks involved before joining a tour.
Canyoning is a real adventure activity and can be mentally and physically challenging. Participants must be able to understand and follow instructions in English, move confidently over uneven and potentially slippery terrain, be comfortable in water, and be able to manage heights.
Before your adventure, you’ll be asked to read and sign our acknowledgement of risk form. Please take the time to review this information before booking so you can make sure this experience is right for you.
You can read the full safety information here:
https://www.canyoningnewzealand.co.nz/safety/
For those seeking more than just an adventure activity, the Mt Aspiring XXL Adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness areas. With bigger waterfalls, bigger abseils, a breathtaking cavern descent and access to landscapes few people ever experience, this is canyoning at its most rewarding. If you’re ready to push beyond the ordinary and experience the very best of Mt Aspiring National Park, this is the adventure you’ve been looking for!