Wanaka: Waterfall Cable Climb & Mountain Descent Tour

Summary

Climb beside roaring waterfalls on Wanaka’s wildest via ferrata

You’ll scale steel ladders right beside roaring waterfalls near Wanaka, cross swinging bridges with your local guide cheering you on, and pause for lunch high above the valley. Expect shaky knees, laughter echoing off wet rock, and that rush when you realize you’ve done something wild—something real.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to hang off the side of a mountain with water thundering just out of reach? I didn’t, honestly—not until we rolled up to this deer farm just outside Wanaka. The air was sharp and clean, and our guide (Sam—he grew up here) handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of last week’s rain. I caught myself grinning at the thought of climbing the highest waterfall cable in the world. That sounded big. Maybe too big? But there we were, clipping in.

The first few rungs felt easy enough—metal cold under my palms, boots scraping against rock. You can hear nothing but water and your own breathing when you’re right next to that waterfall. Sam kept checking on us, cracking jokes about “Kiwi stairmasters” whenever someone hesitated. There are six bridges you have to cross—some swing more than others—and at one point, I looked down and realized my hands were shaking a little from the drop (and maybe from excitement). We stopped halfway for a sandwich and something sweet; somehow food tastes different when you’re perched above a gorge.

The climb takes about three hours, but time goes weird up there. Sometimes I’d forget how high we’d gotten until I glanced back at Wanaka spread out below us—tiny roads curling through green hills. The way down is a 45-minute walk along a rough mountain path; legs wobble at first but then settle into the rhythm of crunching gravel and sheep somewhere in the distance. My shoes were muddy by the end and my hair full of wind, but honestly? I still think about that view every so often.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Intermediate waterfall climbing adventure

• Drive 20 minutes from Wanaka
• Climb steel ladder rungs
• Cross six bridges by waterfall
• Enjoy views from higher sections
• Walk down mountainside trail

Top questions

How long does the waterfall cable climb from Wanaka take?

The climbing part takes about 3 hours, plus around 45 minutes walking down the mountainside trail.

Is experience needed for this Wanaka waterfall climb?

No experience is required for this intermediate tour; guides provide all training and safety briefing.

What should I bring for the waterfall climbing tour?

Bring a water bottle, snack, sturdy close-toed shoes, comfortable trekking clothes suitable for weather, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), optional small backpack or camera.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Wanaka?

Yes—a sandwich and sweet treat are provided during the tour.

Are there age or weight limits for this activity?

The minimum age is 12 (with adult guardian if under 16). Please advise if over 100kg or under 40kg.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts on a private working deer farm about 20 minutes’ drive from Wanaka.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all climbing equipment—helmet, harness, via ferrata lanyard—and expert local guides who handle training and safety throughout. Lunch is provided mid-climb (sandwich plus something sweet), along with GST tax coverage. Just bring yourself (and maybe some courage).