Take on the Gibbston Valley’s limestone gorges with a beginner-friendly, three-hour self-drive canyoning adventure from Canyoning New Zealand. Perfect for active novices ready to tackle slides, abseils, and climbs at their own pace.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants in moderate physical shape able to walk, climb, and slide for up to three hours wearing a wetsuit.
Wildlife
History
Gibbston Valley’s geology features exposed schist rock from ancient tectonic shifts, shaping the valley’s dramatic canyons used for this adventure.
Conservation
Canyoning New Zealand follows strict low-impact practices to protect the delicate alpine and riparian ecosystems in Gibbston Valley.
Canyoning New Zealand
Take on the Gibbston Valley’s limestone gorges with a beginner-friendly, three-hour self-drive canyoning adventure from Canyoning New Zealand. Perfect for active novices ready to tackle slides, abseils, and climbs at their own pace.
Canyoning New Zealand operates from Queenstown, Otago, delivering guided canyoning adventures and training across the region. The company runs a variety of trips that range from short, beginner-friendly experiences to multi-day instructional courses. Signature offerings include the Gibbston Valley Half Day Canyoning Adventure, Gibbston Valley 3hr Self Drive trip, multiple full-day options in Mt Aspiring National Park (Mt Aspiring Full Day, Mt Aspiring XXL, Mt Aspiring MAX), a Glenorchy Paradise Full Day Canyoning Adventure, a Queenstown Cliff Jumping, Abseil, Swim 3hr Adventure, and a 6-Day canyoning course led by a qualified NZOIA trainer.
Guides lead activities such as abseiling, waterfall descents, natural waterslides, cliff jumps, climbs, and whitewater swims. All guided trips include specialist canyoning equipment and safety briefings; equipment rentals are available for responsible, experienced adults who meet the rental guidelines. The 6-Day course focuses on skill development and can support participants seeking independence or certification.
Activities occur in established canyoning locations across Queenstown and Mt Aspiring National Park, with picnic lunches provided on full-day itineraries as described in trip summaries. Canyoning New Zealand emphasizes experienced supervision, site-specific safety procedures, and positive outdoor experiences for a wide range of participants, from beginners to experienced canyoners. Prospective guests should consult trip pages for specific fitness, age, and booking requirements, and bring appropriate personal items such as swimwear, footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Some full-day trips include guide-captured photos and scenic photo opportunities for participants to keep. Booking information, exact meeting points, and fitness notes are available on each trip listing online.
Base Location
Queenstown, Otago
Gateway to South Island canyons
Trips Offered
9 guided trips & courses
Range from 3hr to 6-day experiences
Guided Experience
Qualified Guides
Expert-led canyoning tours
Tour Durations
3 hours to 6 days
Short adventures to immersive courses
Secure a spot on guided trips, equipment rentals, or the 6-day NZOIA course—check availability and booking details on each trip page.
Arrive Early to Prepare
Give yourself time to suit up and receive a safety briefing at Gibbston Valley before your adventure.
Fitness Matters
Ensure you have moderate fitness to handle continuous walking, scrambling, and sliding in a wetsuit.
Bring Swimwear and Towel
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and pack a towel for drying off after the tour.
Hydrate Before and After
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your 3-hour canyoning experience.
Swimwear
Worn under the wetsuit for comfort and ease during wet sections.
Waterproof Camera
Capture your adventure moments in action without worrying about water damage.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on the trail—critical for physical exertion.
Quick-Dry Towel
Dry off quickly after canyoning to maintain warmth and comfort.