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From Wanaka: Level 1 Waterfall Climb (3‑Hour Return) - Your Easy Otago Adventure
Live richly through experiences on an unforgettable via ferrata adventure with Varoom in Wanaka, Otago - your spectacular backyard of waterfalls and vertical thrills awaits. You’ll start at the waterfall where your friendly guide fits your safety gear, teaches you how to use the equipment, and leads you on the Level 1 climb: about 45 minutes of physical climbing on steel ladder rungs, four bridge crossings and wire-bridge traverses that finish at a beautiful picnic spot before a mountain-trail return to the base. This tour is perfect for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places - no experience required - and if you’re seeking more challenge you can step up to our intermediate Level 2 climb to explore even more of this incredible vertical world.
About this activity in Wanaka
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Conquer the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata on a Level 1 climb - about 45 minutes of climbing with four scenic bridge crossings above the falls
- Perfect for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness - no prior experience required and expert guides lead the way
- All safety gear and instruction are provided, plus a sweet treat at the picturesque picnic finish overlooking the waterfall
- Located in the Wanaka region, this outdoor adventure finishes with a mountain trail descent back to base; opt for the Level 2 climb if you want a bigger challenge
Important Information
- Your guide fits your helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard, then delivers a safety briefing and hands-on training before you start climbing
- Minimum age is 12; under-16s must climb with an adult guardian and all minors need a guardian’s waiver signature; children under 12 can join via private tour on request
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; you must be able to climb a ladder and use both arms and have at least moderate fitness
- Bring a water bottle, snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate trekking clothes; public transport options are nearby and tours operate in most weather conditions
Meeting Point
Meet at the base of the waterfall in Wanaka where your friendly guide will greet you, fit your safety gear and run through the safety briefing before the climb.
Includes
- You’ll be led by a professional guide familiar with Wanaka and the Otago region.
- All prices include GST (goods and Services tax).
- All necessary equipment is provided - helmets, harness, via ferrata lanyard and other safety gear.
- You’ll receive a full training and safety briefing before the activity.
- You’ll enjoy a sweet treat after your experience.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included.
Other
- Public transport options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the start point in Wanaka.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to take part.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; this keeps the experience safe for families visiting the area.
- The activity operates in most weather conditions - please dress appropriately for the local climate.
- What to bring: water bottle, snack, sturdy close-toed walking shoes, comfortable trekking clothes suitable for the weather; optional items include a small backpack, camera, sunglasses, and sun protection (hat and sun block).
- Minimum age on this tour is 12 years. If you are under 16, you must climb the via ferrata with an adult guardian. For children under 12, a private tour may be an option - please request this upon booking.
- All minors (16 years and under) require an adult guardian’s signature on their waiver. There is no upper age limit for this activity.
- Please advise us if you weigh over 220 pounds (100 kg) or under 88 pounds (40 kg).
- You must be able to climb a ladder and use both arms to participate.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Fabulous experience and it was lots of fun and challenging. The guides are just great. They don't micromanage you but are there just to keep a safe eye on you and to help and encourage you. Very professional team. Even though I don't like heights their training and practise run gave me the confidence to enjoy the experience. If you can only do the first level do that. But if you can do more levels….then go for it! I wish we had booked the whole three levels. Worth every penny. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!
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Summary:
Book it now !
We ended up doing all 3 levels after only booking level 1 it was by far our favourite activity from our honeymoon!
You will not regret it !
And the helicopter flight from reaching the top was just as adrenaline fueled !
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Summary:
This was fabulous mother/daughter adventure, and whilst it was challenging it was also very doable. Our guide Jasper was very encouraging and patient and kept us safe the whole climb. The Waterfall Climb and some general sightseeing around Wānaka made for the best day of our holiday so far! Definitely give it a go!
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Plan Your Wanaka, Otago Adventure: Hike, Paddle, Relax
You'll find why Wanaka, Otago is a magnet for Adventure & Thrill seekers and Outdoor & Nature lovers, with easy access to hiking, mountain biking and Water-Based experiences that let you book active days and adrenaline-packed outings. The area also shines for Tours & Sightseeing and Food & Drink options, making it simple to pair scenic excursions with local dining and tasting experiences for groups, couples or families. Use Varoom to discover and book multi-day or single-day Events, workshops and Wellness & Relaxation activities here so you can plan stays that connect directly with the things to do that matter most to you.
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Know more about Wanaka
You’ll experience the world’s highest waterfall cable climb in a stunning natural backyard near Wanaka, Otago - climbing steel ladder rungs, crossing wire bridges and finishing at a scenic picnic spot. The route blends adrenaline with spectacular waterfall and mountain views, making it ideal for Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill seekers.
Bring a water bottle, snack, sturdy close-toed walking shoes and wear comfortable trekking clothes suitable for the weather. Optional items include a small backpack, camera, sunglasses and sun protection. Your guide provides all technical equipment including helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard.
Your tour begins at the waterfall where a guide fits your gear and teaches equipment use. You’ll spend about 45 minutes on the Level 1 climb with four bridge crossings, reach a beautiful picnic spot, then descend via a mountain trail back to the base.
Yes. The Level 1 climb is designed for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness. No prior experience is required; a friendly guide fits your safety gear, gives a safety briefing, then you’ll climb for about 45 minutes and cross four bridges.
The minimum age is 12 years; if you’re under 16 you must climb with an adult guardian and all minors require a guardian’s waiver signature. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, be able to climb a ladder and use both arms. Please advise if you weigh over 220 pounds (100kg) or under 88 pounds (40kg).
If you’re craving greater vertical exposure and extended technical climbing, the intermediate Level 2 is recommended. Level 1 is perfect for first-timers and families; choose Level 2 when you’re ready to push beyond the beginner via ferrata experience in this remarkable vertical landscape.