FAQ
Q. Do I have to be able to swim to go canyoning?
All trips require a medium level of water confidence, as opposed to swimming ability. This may vary depending on the trip and the water levels in the canyon on the day. Our half-day Queenstown trip is more suitable for lower levels of water confidence. Please advise the frontline team before your trip if you are not confident in the water.
Q. Do I need to have previous canyoning experience?
No!! Both our Queenstown and Routeburn canyons are ideal for people who are new to canyoning.
Q. Are the jumps optional?
Yes. If you really don't want to do any of the elements once you are in the canyon we can provide alternative options. You can choose your level of challenge. Our guides will provide alternatives if you need them to make sure you are comfortable during the entire trip.
Q. Can I wear my glasses?
We don't recommend you wear glasses in the canyon. Contact lenses are better but they can still fall out. If you only have glasses, ensure you have a sports strap or tie and let your guide know before departure. Glasses are worn at your own risk.
Q. ARE MY SHOES GOING TO GET WET?
Not at all. We provide you with special canyoning socks and boots.
Q. What do I need to bring on a canyoning trip?
All you need is your swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure! We will provide all equipment including wetsuits, helmets, socks and booties. When the temps are colder, you may wish to bring along non-cotton under layers for a bit of extra warmth. We recommend you do not bring any valuables with you. They can be stored at the Adventure Centre in Queenstown where your trip departs from. There are also secure shared lockers at our operations base.
Q. WHAT CHANGING FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?
We have private changing facilities for you to get in and out of your wetsuit. Our
Q. IS FOOD PROVIDED?
On our Routeburn Explorer full day canyoning trip, lunch is provided and we can cater for different dietary requirements. Both canyoning experiences include hot tea and coffee at the end. As canyoning is a very active adventure, we recommend that you have a good breakfast (or lunch if you are on our afternoon trip), so that you have loads of energy to play in our canyons!
Q. Will I get wet?
Most definitely, it’s canyoning! However, you will be wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and wetsuit booties. Canyoning is a perfect rainy day activity because you're going to get wet anyway!
Q. Can I take my camera Or GoPro?
Handheld cameras are not permitted in the canyon for safety reasons. Waterproof GoPro type cameras can be taken but must be helmet mounted and hands-free at all times. Most of our helmets have GoPro mounts on them. Cameras are carried at your risk. We also offer a GoPro rental service if you do not have a camera so that you can capture your epic adventure.
Q. How long will I spend in the canyon?
The Queenstown Adventurer is a four round trip from Queenstown with around two hours spent in the canyon. The Routeburn Explorer is an eight hour round trip from Queenstown with around three hours spent in the canyon. All trip times are approximate. Trip times may vary for a variety of reasons including weather, water levels, trip sizes and abilities of individuals partaking in the activity. Please let us know if you have reservations or need to be elsewhere at a certain time.
Q. Do I need to book a Canyoning experience in advance?
Space can be limited, particularly in peak season so we highly recommend booking in advance.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice of cancellation in order to receive a full refund. But if for any reason we cancel a trip we provide a full refund.
Q. WhEN is Canyoning Season?
Canyoning Queenstown operates trips between 1st October and 30th April.
Q. What is the maximum number of people on a trip?
We are the only canyoning company in New Zealand that has 2 guides on every trip. We do this for safety reasons and to ensure we provide the very best experience for all our clients. The maximum number of clients to a guide is 6 and each trip can take up to 12. For larger groups, we can run two trips during the same time slot with a slight stagger in between.
Q. Can my friends/family watch while I go Canyoning?
Unfortunately, no. There are significant accessibility restrictions around our canyons.
Related information:
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