BEFORE YOU GO

WHAT TO KNOW

Plan your climb

Everything you need before you climb with us, in one place.

You don't need climbing experience for any Wildwire climb. You do need to be able to climb a ladder, walk on uneven and hilly ground, and stay active for the length of the trip you've booked. Being nervous about heights is normal and it isn't a reason to stay home. Most people find that once they're clipped in and moving, the nerves settle.

Our safety system doesn't rely on you being strong or brave. You wear a harness and a helmet and stay clipped to a continuous steel cable from the first rung to the last, on purpose-built via ferrata lanyards. Everyone runs through a training route at the base before the climb starts, so you practise every move on the ground first. The route is assessed by an engineer, audited every year, and we hold Qualmark Gold.

Wildwire is a 20 minute drive west of Wānaka on the Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road. Allow two hours from Queenstown. The entrance is a working farm, and your guide meets you at the gate.

Getting to us is Easy!

Wānaka is a 60 minute drive from Queenstown Airport over the Crown Range Road or via the Kawarau Gorge - both stunning drives.

Wildwire is located 20 minutes from Wānaka township, towards Mt Aspiring National Park.

 
 

 We’ve got your back

  • We use purpose-built Via Ferrata lanyards and carabiners. These are specifically for use in climbing Via Ferrata structures and are thus built to the highest safety standards. You will be taught how to use these properly during your training session prior to your climb.

  • Our helmets are comfortable and adjustable to fit all different sizes. They are sourced from reputable climbing equipment companies bound by the highest possible safety standards. All our safety equipment is regularly checked to ensure you have the best gear available.

  • Please bring at least 1-day pack per group to carry personal items such as extra layers, water bottle (please bring your water bottle full of water), sunblock, camera, food, etc with you.

  • Our harnesses are comfortable and adjustable to fit a whole range of different sizes. They are sourced from reputable climbing equipment companies bound by the highest possible safety standards. All our safety equipment is regularly checked to ensure you have the best gear available.

  • Make sure you bring a full bottle of water with you. There is no fresh water source at the waterfall. Your bottle must be stored inside your backpack while climbing. (Some choose to drink the water from the waterfall but this is at your own risk. Though the water source is a spring, we operate on a working farm and aren’t able to guarantee its safety).

  • Please wear sturdy footwear with good tread on it. You can wear running-style shoes or hiking boots, whichever you prefer. The most important factor is having some grip, primarily for the descent which is on a steep grassy hillside and can be slippery. Please, no street shoes and absolutely no opened-toed sandals. Participants with opened-toed footwear will not be permitted to climb the waterfall.

  • Our rungs and other equipment have been built to the highest possible safety standards. It has been independently assessed and tested by an engineer and we are audited for safety every 12 months. We have achieved GOLD status for Qualmark which can only be attained with the highest standards nationally.

General FAQ’s

  • Please meet us at Wildwire, Twin Falls Waterfall, Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Rd, Wanaka.

    If you enter "WILDWIRE" into your Google Maps, this will get you started.

    Please note: Apple Maps have had some errors in their directions lately. Please use Google Maps if you can.

    DIRECTIONS FROM WANAKA:

    Wildwire is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Wanaka, just before the Treble Cone Ski field entrance gate.

    • Leaving Wanaka, travel west on Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road for approximately 20 minutes.

    • You will see two giant waterfalls on your left.

    • You will go over a cattle stop.

    • Turn left immediately after the cattle stop and you will see a WELCOME TO WILDWIRE sign on the gate.

    • Wait here, your guide will meet you at the gate at your designated time.

    Note: If you hit gravel roads or the ski field gates, you have gone too far. Here is a link: "Directions to Wildwire from Wanaka" Please note: We no longer have a town office. Please contact us by phone or email if you need to get in touch.

  • If you are already in Wanaka but do not have your own transport, please contact us (info@wildwire.co.nz) to discuss collection from the i-Site in Wanaka. Please note: This is not guaranteed and must be booked in advance.

    We offer a FREE shuttle from the i-Site in the morning, and one shuttle will be coming back in the afternoon when all trips have been completed. We will do our best to get you back to town as soon as we can, however, please be prepared to wait.

    If you are in a rush we may able to order taxis from our site if necessary, however this is often quite expensive.

  • If you do not have your own transport and you are coming from Queenstown. The best and most flexible option is to rent a car for the day. We've partnered with Evolve Rentals Queenstown to present an exclusive offer. Simply mention “Wildwire” when booking with them directly via email and you'll get a flat rate of $150 per day with any hatchback vehicle booking.

    Note: If you are driving from Downtown Queenstown please allow 2 hours to get to Wildwire to allow for slow traffic, campervans and roadworks especially in the summer months.

    If you are interested in taking the bus, there is a limited bus service. Please check Intercity and Ritchies shuttle services between Queenstown-Wanaka.

  • Please read our tour information on our homepage to understand what each trip entails, and our restrictions. If you are still unsure which tour is most appropriate, please email us: info@wildwire.co.nz or give us a call +64 27 430 1332 or 0800 WILDWIRE (within NZ).

    Please only book the climb that you are confident you will be able to complete. We can often accommodate upgrades for our cable climb on the day (limitations apply) but we do not offer refunds for downgrading/not participating on the day.

  • Once you’ve read our tour descriptions and are ready to book, go ahead and click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on any page. If you are unsure which tour to book, you can find a full rundown of all of our tours on our homepage. Alternatively, give us a call to discuss.

  • Yes! If there is no availability on the day you want: Join the waitlist. We check it daily and by letting us know you are keen to join that tour, we will either endeavour to open up some more spaces for that trip or let you know other alternate options we can offer. If you are unsure, please get in touch by emailing us at: info@wildwire.co.nz. We will always get back to you regardless and do our best to accommodate you when possible!

    Please note: 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.

  • Yes! Absolutely. If you would like to book a trip just for you or your group, we do offer private departures.

    Please reach out to us directly. We are able to accommodate large group bookings and private start times on request.

  • This has been a debate for years, however we do not offer photo packages. Our number 1 focus remains on your safety first. While the guides seem relaxed and easygoing, they are constantly ensuring that everyone is clipping properly. They are focused and monitoring the energy levels of people as they climb, assessing how everyone is coping, watching for changes in weather and environment, and offering any encouragement where needed. For this reason, we do not ask our guides to take photos or videos as part of their role. We are happy for them to take a few photos if the group is strong, however, we do not want this to be their main focus. Not everyone is comfortable up high, and while our system is very safe, we still must remember that we are operating in a mountain environment and need our guides to be focused on safety the entire time.

    We are happy for you to take your own photos and we also have GoPro mounts on our helmets as long as this is not impacting your safety and the smooth running of the tour. If you are taking extended amounts of time taking photos or not following our instructions for how to safely take photos, we reserve the right to ask you to stop.

    Please note: If you decide to bring your own phone/camera, you are responsible for it’s safety. If you drop it, it is likely that it will be lost/broken/ damaged and we will be unable to retrieve it.

  • Drones, large cameras, tripods and selfie sticks are NOT permitted, but small cameras and phones can be used if you have a safe zip pocket or backpack!

    Please note: we operate within 500m of a helicopter operation and drone use is strictly prohibited at our location without a permit.

  • For trips at our scheduled departure time we will offer a full refund if:

    • You have given a minimum of 24hrs notice (Note: for trips from August 1st 2026 this will be changed to 48hrs notice)

    • We cancel due to the weather, and you cannot reschedule

    • We cancel due to minimum numbers not being reached

    Sorry, No refunds will apply to:

    • Cancellations within 24hrs of the departure date (

    • Late arrivals or no-shows on the day

    • Downgrades or deciding not to climb

    For private/exclusive and group bookings of 8 or morewe will offer a refund if:

    • You have given a minimum of 10 days notice

    • We cancel due to weather, and you cannot reschedule

    Sorry, no refunds will apply to:

    • Cancellations within 10 days of the departure date

    • Late arrivals/no-shows/downgrades or deciding not to climb

    All Gift Cards are sold on a no refund, exchange or cancellation basis and you agree to these terms and conditions when purchasing a Gift Card. Gift cards must be used within 3 years of purchase.

  • Yes! Here is our Waiver wording:

    ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND SAFETY DECLARATION

    I hereby acknowledge that Wildwire is operated by Our Plant Limited (“OPL”) and agree as follows:

    (a) That the activities offered by OPL including but are not limited to; rock climbing, via ferrata, hiking, abseiling, swimming, rock jumping, bridge crossing (“Activities”); and the travel to and from and within the Activity locations provided by OPL inherently involve risks, which may result in property damage or loss or serious or fatal injury.

    (b) That rock fall, cliffs, rivers, drowning, falling, equipment failure, mechanical failure, other non-specified natural circumstances, accident or illness in remote places are an ever-present hazard when taking part in the Activity and travelling to and from and within the Activity locations.

    (c) I undertake that I will follow all instructions given by OPL, their guides, employees, contractors and representatives at all times.

    (d) I undertake I have disclosed all relevant medical, physical, and mental conditions prior to signing this declaration.

    (e) I confirm that I am physically fit and have no condition or injury that could be affected by this activity.

    (f) I undertake I will always follow OPL’s instructions and their guides, employees, contractors and representatives.

    (g) I undertake I will use all safety equipment provided in the manner as demonstrated and required by OPL.

    (h) I accept the inherent and increased dangers and risks associated with the Activity and accompanying risk of injury, death or property damage or loss and I hereby assume all inherent risks and dangers associated with the Activity. I also accept and release OPL and all persons, entities or contractors connected with OPL from all liability for any injuries, damages, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, loss of profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise and from any claim (including legal costs) by me, my family, estate, agents or assigns in any way from my participation in all, and any activities connected with OPL.

    (i) I acknowledge that OPL reserves the right to withdraw any person including myself who in their opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others at any time during the Activity.

    (j) I acknowledge that OPL reserves the right to cancel the Activity if they become concerned for any reason of my ability or my safety or that of any other person when undertaking the Activity.

    (k) That OPL accepts no responsibility for the actions or persons and / or companies supplying services as part of the Activity or any extra costs incurred due to delays or complications beyond OPL’s control.

    (l) If I am not a resident of New Zealand, I will not attempt to avoid this agreement by commencing legal action in another country.

    I have read, understood, and accepted the liability release outlined above.

  • Please bring your own food if you have a life threatening food allergy.

    We can provide options for vegetarian, vegan, no added gluten, no added nuts, no added dairy. However, the kitchen where our food is prepared handles all allergens and we are unable to guarantee food is allergen-free.

    We are also operating in a remote location 20 minutes drive from the nearest medical centre. In addition, there is a minimum 40 minute technical descent trail between the lunch spot and our base. If you were to have a life threatening allergic reaction on the climb, it would likely be multiple hours before we could get you to a medical centre, much longer than the relief time offered by an epipen.

    To avoid this situation, please bring your own food.

  • If your insurance covers high ropes tourism, you should be covered. We fall in the high ropes tourism category, rather than recreational rock climbing. As we are a commercial activity, operate in a controlled environment and have undertaken safety audits we should be covered under your travel insurance policies. If you are unsure, please check with your insurance provider.

    Please note: If you need to cancel with us last minute and fall within our no refund time frame, we are happy to write you a letter to provide your insurance company with if required.

  • We want to leave our people and place in a better state than when we started. We believe that tourism can benefit our community and the only way forward is to work together. To do this we have committed to conservation efforts at the waterfall which include tree planting and predator control in conjunction with the Matukituki Charitable Trust.

  • There is limited cell phone coverage at the waterfall and this has recently improved quite a bit. The coverage generally gets better the higher you get off the ground but most phones get 2-4 bars of reception at the base.

  • No. Please don’t bring your dog with you. We operate on a working farm and no additional dogs are permitted on the site.

Cable Climb FAQ’s

  • Expect loads of fun, an amazing adventure and incredible scenery on all tours. You will be briefed on safety and via ferrata systems before you start and will have an opportunity to practice before you start the climb. You will be climbing ladder rungs that run next to the waterfall and crossing bridges over the waterfall. Be prepared for walking up and down trails that are steep in sections and climbing in areas that are high off the ground.

    You will be required to clip and unclip your safety equipment along the way.

    There are opportunities to dunk in hidden pools and picnic along the way. Getting wet is usually optional, however, you may get wet feet, or a bit of a splash at times!

    The activity is not designed to be technically difficult and is suitable for active beginners. However, you will be high off the ground in places. Many people find the mental side more tiring than the physical. However, many people also find that pushing their comfort zone is super rewarding and you will be supported by your guide the entire time.

    If you are interested in hearing what others say about their experience. Please click here to check out our TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS.

  • Every outdoor activity has an element of risk.

    We operate in a mountain environment and on a working farm. Some risks, like the weather, the mountain itself, the other people on the trip, farm animals, the river etc. are outside of our control.

    Having said that, your safety on the trip is our highest priority. Our guides are experienced, professional, and qualified to run all activities.

    You will get a full safety briefing before the trip starts and difficult tasks will be demonstrated to make sure you understand what we want you to do. The gear is of a high standard and subject to regular inspections.

    In addition to this, we are independently audited and certified by Worksafe to operate. We have a robust safety plan and certification that is reviewed annually.

  • Lord of the Rungs – Level 1 is our shortest and easiest climb. It is, on average, 3 hours return from Wanaka and includes approximately 45mins - 1hr of climbing. This level is achievable by nearly everyone. If you can climb a ladder, and have a head for heights, then you can do it!

    Lord of the Rungs – Level 2 continues on from Level 1 and adds around another 1-1.5 hours of climbing. Technically, it isn’t much harder than Level 1, but it is a step up in terms of severity! It is steeper and higher off the ground. It is also more exposed with longer verticals and more air under your feet. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains open up on this climb and the waterfalls are even more spectacular. This is our most popular climb.

    Lord of the Rungs – Level 3 is our advanced climb, it adds around 1-2 hours more climbing after completing Level 2, and includes going behind a 60m waterfall and through an overhanging section. Descent is by helicopter. It is a step up in difficulty from Level 2 and good fitness and a sense of adventure are required for this climb.

  • We will provide:

    • Your guide and training

    • Helmets, harness, via ferrata lanyard and safety equipment

    • We have a small supply of gloves we can lend free of charge (gloves are not essential)

    • Food:

      • Lunch is included with our full price Level 2 and Level 3 tours

      • A sweet snack is included on ALL tours.

  • Advised:

    • Hiking clothes - avoid cotton/jeans which make you colder when wet. Clothes designed for outdoor/ exercise are best e.g. polypropylene, thermal, Quick-dry, and wool are all good choices.

    • Extra layers - think rain jacket, wind shell, fleeces.

    • A full water bottle

    • Closed toed sturdy shoes with some grip - avoid street shoes with no tread

    • Small backpack

    • Rain jacket

    • A sense of adventure!

    Optional:

    • Fingerless gloves such as bike gloves

    • Small camera/GoPro

    • Sunglasses

    • Sun protection (long sleeves and sunblock)

    • Something to swim in (if you love cold water!)

    • A small towel (if you plan to dunk yourself in the waterfall)

    • Extra snacks if you are feeling hungry.

  • Tours must reach a minimum number of 3 people to run. If your tour is cancelled due to the minimum number we will do our best to reschedule you at a time that suits you or offer you another tour to join. If this is not possible, we will refund your tour.

  • Level 1 to Level 2

    Upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2 is often possible if you book one of our morning trips. This will be dependent on climber ability and guide availability and is not guaranteed.

    Tick the box when making a booking if you think you might want to upgrade and we will look to accommodate this if possible.

    Please note upgrades are unlikely on our 1pm Level 1 trips.

    Level 2 to Level 3

    If you book a morning Level 2 climb between Monday and Saturday then we may be able to accommodate an upgrade to Level 3

    Upgrades to Level 3 are not possible on Sundays or afternoon trips.

    This will be dependent on many things including climber ability, helicopter availability, guide availability and minimum numbers.

    Helicopter upgrade is subject to availability and weather conditions and can be discussed on the day of your climb.

  • We are open for climbing from August until the end of May.

  • Partially... Due to the waterfall's formation, the climbers are only visible for the first 10 minutes of Level 1 and then they disappear from sight for about an hour before popping back into view again higher up on Level 2.

    Having said that, you are welcome to watch. If you would like to do this, please let us know beforehand.

  • yes.

    Weight:

    Min. 40kg, max. 110kg

    Max. waist measurements for our harnesses are 100cm, and the upper thigh is 70cm.

    Our weight restrictions are defined by our manufacturer's recommendations for our safety equipment. We recommend those over 100kg have good strength and general fitness.

    Height:

    Min. 120cm, max. none.

    Age

    Level 1 - 10 years

    Level 2 - 12 years

    Level 3 - 15 years

    Please get in touch with us to discuss this further, sometimes we can make exceptions for active and confident children. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their climb. There are no upper age limits to this activity.

  • We will allow those who are up to 12 weeks pregnant to climb with us, however be aware that this is at your own risk.

  • No. Our via ferrata is a commercially run tour only, and is located on private land. For Health and Safety reasons, people may not access the climb without a guide. Safety is our top priority, for this reason, any persons accessing the land without permission will be presented with a trespass order. You can book a tour with us online if you wish to explore the waterfall- it is an amazing trip and we would love to take you up there!

  • We can operate the cable climb tours in most conditions, except in heavy rain and snow. If there is a weather warning issued, or the weather is not looking favourable, we will aim to contact you the day before your tour and can either change the climb date or offer a full refund if we need to cancel on the day.

Climb & Canyon FAQ’s

  • You will get wet! Get up close and personal with the waterfall by climbing then abseiling/rappelling Twin Falls Canyon.

    The first part of this tour is the same as our Level 1 cable climb. You will learn how to use the climbing equipment at the base and then climb on our purpose-built cable course.

    You will walk along our cliff-side trail to the right-hand waterfall, and learn abseil skills before abseiling the beautiful waterfalls.

    No previous abseiling or climbing experience is required on the tour, but good fitness is. Bring your sense of adventure and get ready for some fun!

  • No swimming is required as the deepest pools are only waist-deep.

  • There are no jumps! Our canyon is purely traveled by abseiling.

  • Every outdoor activity has an element of risk. We operate in a mountain environment and there are risks that are out of our control. Canyoning also adds an element of risk in dealing with water. Your safety on the trip is our highest priority. Our guides are experienced, professional, and qualified to run all activities. You will get a full safety briefing before the trip starts and difficult tasks will be demonstrated to make sure you understand what we want you to do. The gear is of a high standard and subject to regular inspections.

  • As the canyon is situated high above the waterfall, spectators are unable to see much of the action. However, as the canyoners make their way down, you can see them descending the lower sections. If you are interested in watching the finish of the tour, please get in touch and we can arrange to let you in the gate as it will be otherwise locked.

    • Guide and training

    • Harness, helmet

    • Wetsuit and wetsuit socks (wetsuit sizes adult XS-XL if required)

    • Lunch is included

  • Required:

    • Hiking clothes - avoid cotton which makes you colder when wet. Clothes designed for outdoors/ exercise e.g. polypropylene, thermal, Quick-dry, and wool.

    • Your bathing suit for under the wetsuit

    • Sturdy shoes you are prepared to get wet. Shoes should have closed toes and be reasonably sturdy as the terrain in and around the canyon can be slippery and uneven. Running shoes or light trekking boots are good. NO sandals, jandals, “five-finger” shoes or wetsuit booties.

    • Full water bottle

    • If you require medication during the activities please bring sufficient supplies, your guide can keep it safe and dry for you.

    • Bring your sense of adventure!

    Advised:

    • Wetsuit if you have your own, or think our available sizing will not be suitable

    • Sunblock

    • A thin polypro or merino base layer for under the wetsuit

    • Extra snacks if you are feeling hungry

    • Spare shoes, towel and some warm clothes for afterwards

  • We have GoPro mounts on some of our helmets you can use at your own risk, but any other cameras are not permitted (they will get very wet and can easily get damaged or lost).

  • Contact lenses are fine, make sure you bring a spare set. Glasses are not ideal but can be worn if they are attached with a strap and please bring a hard case. We can’t take responsibility for loss or damage to your glasses.

  • Each tour must reach a minimum number of 3 to run. If your tour is cancelled due to the minimum number we will do our best to reschedule you at a time that suits you or offer you another tour to join. If this is not possible, we will refund your tour.

  • Weight:

    Min. 50kg, Max. 110kg.

    The maximum waist measurements for our harnesses are 100cm, and the upper thigh is 70cm.

    Our size/weight restrictions are defined by our manufacturer's recommendations for our safety equipment. We recommend those over 100kg have good strength and general fitness.

    Height:

    Min. 120cm, Max. none.

    Age:

    Min. 14 years, Max. none.

    If you are under 16, you must canyon with an adult guardian.

    Wetsuit Sizes:

    We have wetsuits available that range from adult-size XS to XL. If you think you might be outside of this size range, feel free to bring along your own wetsuit!

  • No. Our Canyon is a commercially run tour only and is located on private land. For Health and Safety reasons, people may not access the canyon without a guide. Safety is our top priority, for this reason, any persons accessing the land without permission will be presented with a trespass order. You can book a tour with us online if you wish to explore the waterfall and above, it is an amazing trip and we would love to take you up there!

  • We can operate our canyoning tours in most conditions, except in heavy rain, fog and snow. If the weather is not looking favourable, we will aim to contact you the day before your tour and can either change the canyon date or offer a full refund if we need to cancel on the day.