LORD OF THE RUNGS CLIMB

Lord of the Rungs is the world’s highest waterfall cable climb. Reaching the top will take you through 450m of vertical terrain.

With 4 levels to choose from, there are options to suit the ability of every adventurer. No experience is needed on any of our climbs.

Via Ferrata is the technical name for our climb, which means 'iron path'. It is a climbing route, built with steel rungs and cables that are fixed to the rock. It allows safe travel through vertical terrain, which would otherwise be impossible.

If you are up for an adventure of a lifetime, check out our cable climbing options below and get ready for some vertical fun!

Choose your level

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

This is our easiest climb option. In just a few hours, you will learn all you need to know to safely ascend steel rungs and cross 4 suspension bridges as you make your way up the lower section of the waterfall. This tour includes a safety briefing followed by approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour of climbing and a 20-minute walk down. No previous experience is required, just an adventurous spirit. If you can climb a ladder, you can conquer Level 1!

Highlights

Climb 150m (500ft) vertical alongside cascading waterfalls
Exceptional mountain views
Cross 4 suspension bridges including the final 30m (100ft) bridge
Stay dry!

What to know

Round trip from Wanaka around 3 hours.
Suitable for beginners - if you can climb ladders and walk on hilly terrain for up to 2 hours, then you’ll be OK.
Bring water and snacks if you tend to get hungry (small sweet treat included).
All climbing & safety equipment is provided plus a training route before we start the waterfall climb.
A minimum number of climbers is required for the tour to go ahead.

- Minimum weight is 40kg - this is determined by our safety equipment restrictions and Work Safe regulations which we are bound by
- Minimum height is 120cm.
- Minimum age is 10 years.
- You may book groups of up to 8 on our daily tours. For bookings of groups 8+ please contact us for our custom climbs.
- Please be aware that a harness weight restriction of 110kgs applies. Our max. waist measurements for our harnesses are 100cm, and the upper thigh is 70cm – call us to discuss this or for clarification.
Upgrading to Level 2
- 9/10am booking - Upgrading to Level 2 may be possible on the day.
- Afternoon booking - We are unable to guarantee upgrades on our afternoon trips.
Duration
Climbing time is approximately 45min-1 hours. Descent is approximately 20-30mins
Fully booked?
If there is no availability online, please join the waitlist or get in touch. We will endeavour to open up some more spaces or let you know alternate options.
If you have a group of 4 or more and you have no availability on any other open dates, we can look to open up a tour for you.
For more information see our Full FAQs here.
- Sturdy walking shoes are required.
- Full bottle of water.
- Active wear is recommended. Dress for the weather. (No jeans!)
- Bring snacks if you tend to get hungry (small snack is included).
- Bring small cameras at your own risk. (GoPro mounts are available on some helmets).
We will offer a full refund if:
- You have given at least 48hrs notice to cancel for groups of up to 8.
- You have given at least 10 days notice to cancel groups of 8+.
- We cancel due to the weather, and you cannot reschedule.
- We cancel due to minimum numbers are not being reached.
Sorry, No refunds will apply to:
- Cancellations within 24hrs of the departure date for groups up to 8.
- Cancellations within 10 days of the departure date for groups of 8+.
- Late arrivals or no-shows on the day.
- Downgrades or deciding not to climb.
Please make sure you book the right climb for you!
We reserve the right to cancel trips if the minimum numbers are not reached. We reserve the right to cancel if weather or any other situation should demand.

This is our intermediate climb. This epic climb just keeps getting better. The route follows on from Level 1. With great views, and some steeper sections, you are guaranteed a climb you will remember. It offers breathtaking photo opportunities as you go higher, and to make the adventure even more thrilling, you get 2 extra hours to climb, see the views and reach those amazing heights!

Highlights

Climb 320m (1050ft) vertical alongside beautiful waterfalls
Exceptional Lake and mountain views
Exciting vertical climbing
Cross 6 suspension bridges
Get up close and personal with huge waterfalls
Stay dry! (your feet may get a little wet.)

What to know

This is our most popular climb!
Round trip from Wanaka around 5 hours.
Suitable for fit and active beginners with a head for heights - you will be climbing and walking for up to 4 hours.
All climbing & safety equipment is provided plus a training route before we start the real ascent.
Lunch is provided on tours up to 12pm (full-price only).
Minimum numbers are required for the tour to go ahead.

- Minimum weight is 40kg and maximum weight is 110kg - this is determined by our safety equipment restrictions and Work Safe regulations which we are bound by
  - Our max. measurements for our harnesses are 100cm waist, and 70cm upper thigh – call us to discuss this or for clarification.
- Minimum height is 120cm.
- Minimum age is 12 years (please call to discuss for children under 12).
- You may book groups of up to 8 on our daily tours. For bookings of groups 8+ please contact us for our custom climbs.
- Please be aware that a harness weight restriction of 110kgs applies. Our max. waist measurements for our harnesses are 100cm, and the upper thigh is 70cm – call us to discuss this or for clarification.
Upgrading to Level 3
An upgrade to continue on a do LOTR - Top (Level 3) may be possible on the day. Please note, Level 3 climbs run only on morning trips, Monday-Saturday.
Duration
Climbing time is an additional 1.5 - 2 hours after Level 1. Descent is approximately 30 - 45mins
Fully booked?
If there is no availability online, please join the waitlist or get in touch. We will endeavour to open up some more spaces or let you know alternate options.
If you have a group of 4 or more and you have no availability on any other open dates, we can look to open up a tour for you.
For more information see our Full FAQs here.
- Sturdy walking shoes are required.
- Full bottle of water.
- Active wear is recommended. Dress for the weather. (No jeans!)
- Snacks if you are booked on an afternoon tour and tend to get hungry! A small snack will be provided.
- Bring small cameras at your own risk. (GoPro mounts are available on some helmets).
We will offer a full refund if:
- You have given at least 48hrs notice to cancel for groups of up to 8.
- You have given at least 10 days notice to cancel groups of 8+.
- We cancel due to the weather, and you cannot reschedule.
- We cancel due to minimum numbers are not being reached.
Sorry, No refunds will apply to:
- Cancellations within 24hrs of the departure date for groups up to 8.
- Cancellations within 10 days of the departure date for groups of 8+.
- Late arrivals or no-shows on the day.
- Downgrades or deciding not to climb.
Please make sure you book the right climb for you!
We reserve the right to cancel trips if the minimum numbers are not reached. We reserve the right to cancel if weather or any other situation should demand.

This is our advanced climb and includes a Helicopter ride down! It is an absolutely amazing experience! Along the way, you will cross a 2-wire bridge, go behind a 60m waterfall, and climb through an airy overhang. This is our most extreme climb, suitable for fit adventure seekers with a great head for heights! You will climb the entire waterfall to the very top and finish with the James Bond factor and grab a helicopter ride down!

Highlights

Helicopter ride off the top!
Reach the top of the highest waterfall cable climb in the World!
Climb 450m (1475ft) vertical alongside incredible waterfalls.
Incredible views of surrounding lakes and mountains.
Exciting vertical climbing.
Cross 7 Suspension bridges.
Climb behind a 60m waterfall and through an overhang.
Stay (mostly) dry! (If it’s windy, you may get a bit wet).

What to know

Round trip from Wanaka around 5-6 hours.
Good fitness and strength are required.
Able to climb and scramble up and down on hilly terrain for 5-6 hours.
Lunch provided on full price tours (please bring own water).
All climbing & safety equipment provided plus a training route before we start the real ascent.
A minimum of climbers is required for the tour to go ahead.

- Minimum weight is 40kg and maximum weight is 110kg - this is determined by our safety equipment restrictions and Work Safe regulations which we are bound by
  - Our max. measurements for our harnesses are 100cm waist, and 70cm upper thigh – call us to discuss this or for clarification.
  - We recommend anyone over 100kg have a good level of upper body strength.
- Minimum height is 120cm.
- Minimum age is 15 years (please call to discuss for children under 15).
- You may book groups of up to 8 on our daily tours. For bookings of groups 8+ please contact us for our custom climbs.
Duration
Climbing time is approximately 1-2 hours in addition to Level 1 and Level 2. Descent is in a helicopter!
Minimum Numbers
We have a minimum requirement of 2 people to run this trip. If riding solo, please contact us to ensure you get the best chance of completing Level 3.
Fully booked?
If there is no availability online, please join the waitlist or get in touch. We will endeavour to open up some more spaces or let you know alternate options.
If you have a group of 3 or more and you have no availability on any other open dates, we can look to open up a tour for you.
For more information see our Full FAQs here.
- Sturdy walking shoes are required.
- Full bottle of water.
- Active wear is recommended. Dress for the weather. (No jeans!)
- Bring small cameras at your own risk. (GoPro mounts are available on some helmets).
We will offer a full refund if:
- You have given at least 48hrs notice to cancel for groups of up to 8.
- You have given at least 10 days notice to cancel groups of 8+.
- We cancel due to the weather, and you cannot reschedule.
- We cancel due to minimum numbers are not being reached.
Sorry, No refunds will apply to:
- Cancellations within 24hrs of the departure date for groups up to 8.
- Cancellations within 10 days of the departure date for groups of 8+.
- Late arrivals or no-shows on the day.
- Downgrades or deciding not to climb.
Please make sure you book the right climb for you!
We reserve the right to cancel trips if the minimum numbers are not reached. We reserve the right to cancel if weather or any other situation should demand.