Routeburn Valley Canyoning Adventure: Hidden Canyon

Abseil waterfalls and zipline through a hidden canyon most visitors never reach

A full-day canyoning adventure in the Routeburn Valley, a remote part of Mount Aspiring National Park accessible only through Canyon Explorers, the sole permitted operator. You walk 25 minutes through native forest along the Routeburn Track, then descend into a canyon to abseil beside waterfalls, jump into crystal-clear pools, zipline above native bush, squeeze through narrow passageways and slide down natural rock chutes, guided by two experienced professionals. Wetsuits, helmets, waterproof footwear and all safety equipment are provided. Picnic lunch and hot drinks are included. This is a physically demanding adventure requiring high fitness, strong swimming ability and water confidence. The minimum age is 15, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience

The canyon sits deep within the Routeburn Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness that most visitors experience only from the famous Routeburn Track. Canyon Explorers holds the sole permit to operate here, which means the people you share the canyon with are the only ones allowed inside it that day. After checking in at the base in central Queenstown, you're fitted with wetsuits, helmets and waterproof footwear, then driven along Lake Wakatipu through Glenorchy and into Mount Aspiring National Park. The 25-minute walk through native forest to the canyon entrance is uphill and sets the pace for what follows.

Once inside the canyon, the two guides lead you through abseils beside waterfalls, jumps into pools, a zipline run above native bush, narrow rock passages and natural slides. Each challenge comes with expert instruction and support. The guides manage the technical side so you focus on moving through the landscape. The canyon itself is the equipment: waterfalls, pools and rock chutes are the features you navigate, not obstacles you overcome. A percentage of every trip funds the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust's work protecting native species in the valley.

After the canyon, you rest in the Routeburn Valley with a picnic lunch and hot drinks before the drive back to Queenstown. The full day runs eight hours from pickup to return. Bring a non-cotton thermal underlayer (merino or polypro works well), swimwear and a towel. Everything else (wetsuits, safety gear, photos of the day) is provided or included.

What’s included

• Wetsuits, helmets and waterproof footwear.
• all safety equipment and two professional guides.
• scenic transport by private vehicle from Queenstown.
• a 25-minute walk through native forest along the Routeburn Track.
• picnic lunch and hot drinks in the Routeburn Valley.
• free trip photos.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (15 to 16 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Canyon Explorers

Is this one for you?The guides lead in English, so you follow the instruction and commentary comfortably. This adventure suits anyone aged 15 and up with high fitness, strong swimming ability and water confidence. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, this trip is not suitable.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

56 verified traveler reviews

5 ★52

4 ★2

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 16 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Routeburn Track, and do I walk the whole thing?

The Routeburn Track is a world-renowned hiking route through Mount Aspiring National Park. On this trip, you walk only the first 25 minutes of it through native forest to reach the canyon entrance. The rest of your day is spent canyoning inside the valley, not on the track itself.

Can I do this if I've never been canyoning before?

Previous canyoning experience is preferred but not required. The two professional guides provide expert instruction and support throughout, and they manage the technical setup for each abseil and zipline. You need high fitness, strong swimming ability and water confidence, but the guides teach you the skills as you go.

What makes this canyon different from other canyoning in New Zealand?

Canyon Explorers is the only operator permitted to work in the Routeburn Valley, so this is the only way to access this particular remote canyon within Mount Aspiring National Park. Most visitors to the area experience only the Routeburn Track from above. This trip takes you into the hidden canyon itself.

How physically demanding is the 25-minute walk to the canyon?

The walk is uphill through native forest and takes 25 minutes at a steady pace. A high level of fitness is required for the whole day, including the walk, the abseils, jumps and zipline. The guides assess your fitness and water confidence before you enter the canyon.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

All participants must be able to swim and have a high level of water confidence, as you'll jump into crystal-clear pools and navigate water-filled sections of the canyon. If swimming confidence is a concern, this adventure is not the right fit. The guides cannot modify the water elements.

Are photos included, and can I bring my own camera?

Free trip photos taken by the guides are included. Bringing your own camera into the canyon is not practical or safe given the abseils, ziplines and water sections. The guides capture the moments for you.