Level 1 Waterfall Climb from Wanaka (3 hours return)

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world.

Our Level 1 climb involves approximately 45mins of physical climbing and 4 bridge crossings. Our Via ferrata tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. It is suitable for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness.

No experience required.

Your tour starts at the waterfall where your friendly guide will fit your safety gear and teach you how to use the equipment before starting the climb. You will be climbing on steel ladder rungs and crossing wire bridges to finish at a beautiful picnic spot. We then walk down a mountain trail and back to the base.

If you are more adventurous and are looking to explore more in this incredible vertical world, we recommend our intermediate Level 2 climb.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately

What to bring: water bottle, snack, sturdy close-toed walking shoes, wear comfortable trekking clothes suitable for the weather, Optional: small backpack, camera, sunglasses, sun protection (hat and sun block)

Minimum age on this tour is 12 years. If you are under 16, you must climb our via ferrata with an adult guardian. For children under 12 a private tour may be an option. Please request upon booking.

All minors (16 years and under) require an adult guardian’s signature on their waiver. There are no upper age limits to this activity.

Please advise if over 220 pounds (100kg) or under 88 pounds (40kg)

Must be able to climb a ladder and use both arms

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

GST(Goods and Services Tax)

All equipment including helmets, harness, via ferrata lanyard, safety equipment

Training and safety briefing

A sweet treat

Gratuities

What To Expect

Join us on the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. We are right there by your side as you challenge yourself and your comfort zone. Our Level 1 climb is our introductory climb. If you can climb a ladder you can do it. Our tours take place on a private working deer farm, nestled in the mountains, 20 minutes drive from Wanaka. The air is clean and the views just keep getting better and better the higher we go. It is an adventure of a lifetime. We proudly stand by our clean record – with guides, training, gear and policies that keep it that way.

Options

Level 1 Waterfall Climb

Introductory Waterfall Climb: Our shortest climb is a perfect taster of adventure climbs for families or the hesitant adventurer. 3 hrs return

Reviews

5.00

109 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

109

Absolutely amazing!
schiefeliz,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an amazing experience. Our guide Ben was excellent and very patient with us as none of us had ever climbed before. This was truly a once in a lifetime adventure I will remember forever.
The Wow factor!
Z9434BBlouiseg,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an absolutely incredible experience that was challenging and exhilarating! Our guide Rocky was professional, patient and encouraging with plenty of knowledge to share and well able to cater to our groups range of abilities. The climb itself was fabulous, with indescribably stunning scenery in every direction. The whole Wildwire team were warm and welcoming, attributing to an outstanding overall experience. If you're looking for an adrenalin fuelled adventure this ticks all the boxes!
Heaps of fun with just enough challenge.
vickikV2360QK,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Just had a fantastic morning at Wildwire Wanaka. Great staff who guided us through the level 1 experience. Will be back to complete the whole experience another day. Thoroughly enjoyable, our guide, Rocky, was awesome.
Best via ferrata ever!
hannelore s,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We started off level 1 but got an upgrade to level 2 and that was so worth it! You are so close to the waterfall and it's mindblowing!
Perfect in every respect
Reinhard M,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An all-round great activity: very nice guides who gave a very good introduction, a really nice climb that was absolutely feasible even for beginners, all in a very nice environment. Could not be better - thank you !!
Wildwire fun!!
Vacation72236,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!
Best experience in all of New Zealand!
Jennahope,
Jul 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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 !
Challenging but doable, a wonderful experience.
Wanderer46332701313,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Lord of the Rungs level one
Travel46966059585,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lord of the rungs tour was so much fun even with some rain falling on us. Jeff our guide was exceptional. We would have continued onto level 2 but we were pressed for time and leaving town. The climb was fun and safe all the guides were great. Would recommend to anyone!
Loved it
Kylie S,
Mar 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Loved this experience. Solid shoes with good grip is a must. Our guide Alison was a star and took lots of great photos - thanks for a fab day