Lord of the Rungs
Lord of the Rungs is the world's highest waterfall cable climb: 450 metres of via ferrata running up the left-hand falls at Twin Falls, on private land 20 minutes from Wānaka.
A via ferrata, Italian for iron path, is a climbing route built from steel rungs, cables and suspension bridges fixed to the rock. You wear a harness and stay clipped to a continuous steel cable from the first rung to the last, which lets you move through terrain that would otherwise take years of climbing experience to reach.
What makes ours different is that it goes up the waterfall rather than past it. Most via ferrata follow a rock face, or sit alongside a fall. Here the water is beside you, above you, and at one point behind you, and the higher you climb the more of the valley opens up.
The route runs in three levels on one line. Each level climbs everything below it and then carries on further, so Level 2 includes Level 1, and Level 3 includes both. You book the level you want and you climb everything up to it.
No experience needed on any of them. Everyone starts on a training route at the base, so you'll have clipped, unclipped and climbed rungs on the ground before you touch the waterfall.
Lord of the Rungs Level 1
Level 1 is where most first-timers start, and it's the shortest way to find out what you're capable of.
You'll climb 150 metres up the lower falls on steel rungs, crossing four suspension bridges as you go, the last one a 30 metre span above the water. Then a 20 minute walk back down. You stay dry, though your feet may get wet when the water's high.
It starts on the ground. Before anyone touches the waterfall, your guide runs you through a training route at the base, so you'll have clipped, unclipped and climbed rungs before any of it matters. Nobody goes up guessing.
If you can climb a ladder and walk on hilly ground for a couple of hours, you'll be fine. No experience needed.
Level 1 at a glance
150 metres of climbing
Four suspension bridges, finishing on a 30 metre span
Around three hours
Sweet treat included
Runs August to May
Minimum age 10
From $205 per person
Best for first-timers, and anyone short on time
Lord of the Rungs Level 2
Level 2 is our most popular climb, and the one most people should book.
It picks up where Level 1 finishes and keeps going to 320 metres, crossing six suspension bridges in total and ending at the base of a 60 metre waterfall. It's steeper than Level 1 and more exposed, which is the point. The higher you get, the more of the lake and the ranges open up.
You'll be climbing and walking for up to four hours, so it suits people who are reasonably fit and active with a head for heights. You still don't need any climbing experience.
Level 2 at a glance
320 metres of climbing
Six suspension bridges, including a three-wire crossing
Finishes at the base of a 60 metre waterfall
Around five hours
Runs August to May
Lunch included, except summer afternoon trips
Minimum age 12
From $389 per person
Best for fit, active beginners who want the full day
Lord of the Rungs Level 3
Level 3 is the full climb. All 450 metres to the top of the waterfall, and then a helicopter ride down.
On the way you'll cross seven suspension bridges, climb behind a 60 metre waterfall and pull through an airy overhang. The top is the highest point of any waterfall cable climb in the world, and the helicopter is how you get down from it.
This one asks for real fitness and strength. You'll be climbing and scrambling on steep ground for most of the day.
Level 3 at a glance
The full 450 metres to the top
Seven suspension bridges, plus a climb behind a 60 metre waterfall
Helicopter descent included
Five to six hours from Wānaka and back
Runs August to May
Lunch included, except summer afternoon trips
Minimum age 15
From $769 per person
Best for fit, strong climbers who want the top
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