Frequently Asked Questions

Canyoning is one of the newer Abel Tasman activities. It is a combination of lots of fun stuff all bunched into one exciting activity. Trips normally start with a walk through beautiful scenery. Then it’s time to get the rubber suits on and start making your way down the canyon. We jump off cliffs into deep pools below, slide down water polished chutes and abseil besides or sometimes even through showering waterfalls. Most of the time you’ll be surrounded by steep walls covered in moss and ferns. And of course your guides will make sure you know exactly what to do. Going on a trip is the only way anyone can get to see these stunning places and experience all the fun stuff Mother Nature throws at you.

We absolutely LOVE the environment we work in. We are a certified Zero Carbon operation. Canyons are among the most pristine and unspoiled places you can find on earth and we want to keep them that way. Abel Tasman Canyons holds a concession with the Department of Conservation for all canyons. Part of the fees you are paying for a trip go straight to the Department of Conservation to help them protect the unique New Zealand environment. Canyoning is one of the lowest impact of all Abel Tasman activities. For more information have a look at our Sustainability page.

We can take non-swimmers but it is very important that you tell us when you book. The wetsuits make you float really well so as long as you are a happy floater you can come. High flow trips and certain advanced trips are not recommended for non-swimmers. We have an almost dry canyon where you’ll only get wet up to your waist. Please contact us to discuss the options.

Jumps and slides are always optional. We want to work together with you to find out where your limits are. If a jump or slide is just that little bit too high or fast for you, then we’ll find you an easier option or we are also happy to let you abseil or lower you down instead.

Canyoning is one of the more challenging Abel Tasman activities so we hope you will be a little bit scared! Canyoning is all about the challenge, stepping out of your comfort zone. However, the guides are great at making you feel comfortable and they love helping you overcome your fears. They have different ways to make a trip easier or more challenging for you. If you got a little scared and still did it, you’ll end up with a big smile on your face which will stay for a long time! Not scared enough? Don’t worry, the guides are masters at recognising if you can handle more and will throw some extra options at you! The trick is to find the trip that is right for you, have a good look at our options and contact us to help you make your decision.

Quite possibly. All the physical activity, cold water and new impressions will drain your energy levels. Make sure you are well rested and have a big breakfast. We’ll provide a delicious lunch and snacks in the canyon to keep your energy levels up.

No. Even though canyoning is one of the more challenging Abel Tasman activities, you don’t need previous experience. You just have to be keen to try something new. On the more advanced trips it helps to have some climbing or abseiling experience. At the start of each trip you’ll receive a full safety briefing and an opportunity to practice abseiling outside the canyon.

Canyoning has an element of risk, like many other adventure activities. Your safety on the trip is our highest priority. The guides at Abel Tasman Canyons are experienced, professional and highly qualified to run all activities. Guides in training are always under direct supervision of fully qualified guides. Upon meeting you in the morning the guides will talk you through a full risk disclosure. The risk disclosure will also be sent out to you in your confirmation email ahead of time. You can read it ahead of time here. You will get a full safety briefing before the trip starts and difficult tasks will be demonstrated to make sure you understand what we want you to do. The gear is of a high standard and subject to regular inspections. For more information on safety have a look at our Safety page.

Torrent River and Blue Creek: 12 years. For Doom Creek: 14 years. For Falls River and Waterfall Creek: 16 years. (Under 16, conditions apply, please contact us for details). What about maximum age? Well, we certainly won’t stop you if you’re fit, healthy and keen on an adventure. The oldest man to go down Torrent River so far is 83, oldest female 75. Very good, but not unbeatable records…..

Have a look at the “TRIPS” page and the ratings for all the activities to see which trip suits you. Torrent River is our most popular trip as it is suitable for beginners and combines your experience with the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. Blue Creek and Doom Creek are suitable for beginners too. Falls River is for intermediates and Waterfall Creek is our advanced remote canyoning experience. Can’t make up your mind because it all looks awesome? Just give us a call, we are happy to help you.

Yes. Trips are subject to having sufficient participant numbers and suitable weather conditions. So the sooner you book, the bigger the chance that we can organize an awesome canyoning experience for you during your stay in the area. During the summer season canyoning is one of the popular Abel Tasman activities. Book now!

All you need to bring is a swim suit, a towel and a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. For the walk up to the canyons just wear shorts and a t-shirt and bring a warm top for the water taxi rides. Shoes should have closed toes and be reasonably sturdy as the terrain in and around the canyon can be slippery and uneven. Running shoes or light trekking boots are good, NO sandals, jandals, “fivefinger” shoes or wetsuit booties. We have a bin full of spare shoes for people who don’t have their own or if the guides think they are not suitable but please always bring some footwear in case we don’t have your size. If you require medication during the activities please bring sufficient supplies, your guide can keep it safe and dry for you. If you combine the trips in Abel Tasman National Park with walking or sea kayaking then you should also bring gear for that.

Contact lenses are fine, make sure you bring a spare set. Glasses are not ideal but can be worn if they are attached with a strap and please bring a hard case. We can’t take responsibility for loss or damage to your glasses.

For safety reasons we don’t want you to bring your camera. We’ll take photos and videos of everyone on the trip and share them with you at no additional cost. That’s right – FOR FREE!!!! That way you can fully enjoy your experience in the canyon and not worry about anything else. You are more than welcome to take your camera on the water taxi rides, it’s very scenic. We’ll store it in a safe place before we head towards the canyon.

Our season runs from the 1st of October until the 30th of April. Feel free to contact us outside these months to see what we can do for you.