Top South Island Climbing Tours

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing trip around the coast. Spend the day stopping at beaches and islands around the coast; just make sure to book in advance, as this is Abel Tasman National Park’s only full-day sailing tour and is sure to be in high demand.

The towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Kawarau Canyon offer a dramatic backdrop for a canyoning adventure and this 4-hour tour from Queenstown is suitable for anyone over 10 years. With a small group of no more than 10 people, get your adrenaline pumping as you scramble up rocky cliffs, abseil down waterfalls, and tackle natural water slides. The morning tour includes a picnic-style lunch.

Arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a sweeping landscape of jagged snow-capped mountains, shimmering fjords and lakes, towering waterfalls and emerald greenery. Travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park to explore this lush wilderness, including a boat cruise on the Milford Sound. You also see The Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu—New Zealand's longest lake, and Lake Te Anau—the South Island’s the largest lake.

Adventurous travelers will love this waterfall climb, with hidden pools, towering waterfalls, swimming spots, and mountain views. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.

The Twin Falls are two winding waterfalls located in the picturesque Mt Aspiring National Park, a short drive from Wanaka. Most visitors just see them from the road, but you can get up close to them on this half-day climb that’s suitable for beginners and experts alike. See the National Park from a new perspective and take a dip in hidden pools you find during the climb.

Adventurous travelers visiting Christchurch—this is the tour for you. Set off with a small group on a guided adventure towards Castle Hill—which is also known as Kura Tawhiti. Here, you can try out bouldering and rock climbing with ease, as climbing equipment rental is included. To stay fueled for the activities, lunch is provided before a visit to Cave Stream—where you can explore small waterfalls, and a limestone cave.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Your guide will show you around, if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill. Afternoon - Cave Stream It will take us approximately 45mins to make our way through the 594 meters of the limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water through the winding chambers and small waterfalls. Not interested in caving? Nom problem your welcome to explore the paths and trails in the area or sit and relax with some afternoon tea in this very peaceful landscape instead of going through the cave.

Learn how to climb or improve your skills on a rock-climbing tour in the Matukituki Valley from Wanaka. You'll have the chance to experience this popular outdoor activity under the guidance of an instructor, who helps you maximize your climbing time and provides safety and technical tips. This is designed for first-time climbers or those who've only climbed on an indoor wall.

Small-group tour including lunch, transport and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit, country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes and the amazing boulder fields at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. A day trip from Christchurch City into the mountains and back again. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Your guide will show you around, if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill.

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps in the west. Our climbing areas are scattered across the summit of an enormous extinct volcano that formed Banks Penninsula and Lyttelton Harbour. With over 2000 established climbing routes, Christchurch is one of the largest and most popular climbing areas in New Zealand. Your guide will set up the ropes and give you a safety briefing and belay lesson before you start your first climb. Once you’re feeling confident with the climbing systems your guide will review the abilities of the group and continue to set up some climbs that will be challenging, achievable and safe for the group.

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps in the west. Our climbing areas are scattered across the summit of an enormous extinct volcano that formed Banks Penninsula and Lyttelton Harbour. With over 2000 established climbing routes, Christchurch is one of the largest and most popular climbing areas in New Zealand. Your guide will set up the ropes and give you a safety briefing and belay lesson before you start your first climb. Once you’re feeling confident with the climbing systems your guide will review the abilities of the group and continue to set up some climbs that will be challenging, achievable and safe.

Go canyoning; a combination of swimming, sliding, climbing and rappelling, during this adrenaline-fueled activity in Wanaka. Follow your expert adventure guide to the mouth of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canyon, then start exploring with a small group of 5 people or less. No prior experience is necessary, just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover the stunning scenery in Mt Aspiring National Park. Lunch, round-trip transportation and use of all equipment are included.

Get an adrenaline rush and enjoy being in the great outdoors with this rock climbing experience in Queenstown, New Zealand. Perfect for all climbers, from beginners to those at advanced levels, take the chance to climb a variety of cliffs and rock formations. As you climb, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area, taking in wonderful lake and mountain views.

Adventurous travelers will love the chance to try lead climbing in Wanaka. If you have some climbing experience already, this is a great next step. The instructor to client ratio is a maximum of 1:4, so you will get help when you need it. You’ll get a great workout while enjoying mountain views and fresh air and learning new skills.

Push your limits mentally and physically by learning to rock climb in New Zealand’s premier sport climbing location. Receive hands-on lessons from your attentive expert climbing instructors if you’re a first-timer, or take a refresher-course if you're an experienced climber. Afterwards, depart Wanaka in small groups (roughly one guide to every four climbers) to ascend a nearby rock face suited to your group’s skill level.

Climb your way up to some otherwise-inaccessible views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park on this full day rock climbing trip in Matukituki Valley. If you’re a new climber, you’ll be able to learn from your qualified instructor without fighting for their attention on this small group tour. If you’re a more experienced climber, this tour will take you to a climbing site that will challenge your skills.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Your guide will show you around, if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill. Afternoon - Cave Stream It will take us approximately 45 minutes to make our way through the 594 meters of the limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water through the winding chambers and small waterfalls. Not interested in caving? No problem; you're welcome to explore the paths and trails in the area or sit and relax with some afternoon tea in this very peaceful landscape instead of going through the cave.

This half-day Queenstown canyoneering adventure is action-packed! Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on skill level. No experience is necessary, but this activity does require a moderate level of fitness. Wetsuits, safety equipment, and waterproof footwear are provided.