Do I need prior canyoning experience to join?

No prior experience is necessary, but a good level of fitness and confidence in swimming is required.

What is included in the trip price?

Transfers, canyoning gear, expert guide services, and a picnic lunch are all included.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Participants must be at least 16 years old to join this adventure.

How physically demanding is the hike?

The approach involves a two-hour, strenuous hike over uneven and steep terrain, so good fitness is essential.

Are photos available from the trip?

Yes, guides capture professional photos during the adventure which you can view and purchase after the tour.

What should I bring with me?

Swimwear, a towel, personal water bottle, and any necessary medications are recommended.

Mt Aspiring MAX Canyoning Adventure with Canyoning New Zealand

Mt Aspiring National Park, located in New Zealand’s South Island, is home to some of the most rugged and dramatic alpine landscapes in the world. Towering peaks, glacial rivers, and narrow gorges define this wild wilderness — a playground for adrenaline seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Within this raw terrain, Canyoning New Zealand offers their Mt Aspiring MAX Full Day Canyoning Adventure, a demanding, full-throttle trip designed for those ready to push their limits.

Starting from Queenstown or Wanaka, participants embark on a long day that begins with a vehicle transfer followed by an intense two-hour hike into the canyon’s depths. The route winds through steep, rocky terrain edged by pristine native forest and carved by ancient glacial waterways. The canyon itself is carved from solid schist rock, offering deep pools and tight slots, setting the stage for a mix of heart-pounding abseils, jumps into freezing clear pools, and swims down whitewater rapids—each section testing skill, fitness, and courage.

Unlike more casual canyoning trips, this adventure demands strong swimming ability, high fitness, and a willingness to engage with technical, hands-on challenges. Expert guides accompany every step, ensuring safety with top-tier gear and guiding participants through one of the South Island’s most secluded, untamed zones. The guides also document the journey with professional photos that capture moments of exhilaration and awe.

Lunchtime is a welcome break, featuring a carefully packed picnic with vegetarian and meat options to refuel before the afternoon push. The experience concludes with a return transfer, leaving adventurers refreshed and fulfilled.

Canyoning New Zealand’s Mt Aspiring MAX trip stands out in the local adventure scene for its unique combination of strenuous terrain, technical canyoning elements, and immersive wilderness exposure. It provides an authentic and unforgettable challenge against the backdrop of one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular national parks.

About Canyoning New Zealand

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.