Question 1

What is canyoning?

Accepted Answer

Canyoning is a lot of different fun activities all rolled into one. Hiking and swimming down a slippery stream or river corridor while wearing wetsuits and other safety gear.  Constant movement, in a pristine environment.  Sometimes we climb down through sections of boulders and over and between fallen trees.  When we get to the waterfalls we use special canyoning harnesses and ropes to connect ourselves to safety lines so we can approach the edge safely.  At high waterfalls, or when it is shallow below we abseil or zipline.  If it is deep enough and suitable, we lie back and slide off the waterfall edge... if you like to free fall?  Then stand firm, take a breath and jump! Come and experience nature’s water park!

Question 2

Is canyoning safe? What are the risks involved?

Accepted Answer

Canyoning by its very nature is walking down a wet and slippery stream until we get to the top of a waterfall so we can determine if we should jump off of it or not. If you know how to jump and where to land... canyoning is quite safe... it is also a whole lot of fun!  Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. To achieve this we operate under a documented safety management system that carries the AdventureMark brand. All of our guides are highly qualified and internationally experienced professionals. We use modern, fit for purpose equipment that is logged, maintained and monitored. We are also locals who know our canyons, the hazards and the risks like the back of our hand. Bumps, bruises, breakages, trauma and even death are all possible. An action packed and fun time is more likely. Please contact us with any concerns or questions about safety prior to booking or alternatively please read our Risk Acknowledgment Fitness Declaration. We want all of our participants to be informed and comfortable when joining our adventures.

Question 3

Do I need experience?

Accepted Answer

Our beginner and intermediate canyons can be enjoyed by first time canyoners. Training outside of the canyon will be given prior to going into the water. The first waterfalls are ideally small enough for participants to practice and fine-tune abseiling/rappelling, sliding and jumping techniques to ensure the right comfort levels for the bigger drops. All waterfalls can be passively navigated where the guide can lower participants who feel over challenged by the rush of the water around them.
For those with canyoning or abseiling experience, we can provide special options within some of the tours that allow for more challenge and of course, please check out our courses page for canyoning and river rescue training so you can safely go on your own adventures.

Question 4

What is physically fit and capable for canyoning or river training?

Accepted Answer

Canyoning requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and probably more importantly, agility. If you enjoy hiking and other out-door sports like skiing, team ball sports or swimming in the waves at the beach, then you will have the conditioning for canyoning. 
·       We wear thick neoprene wetsuits that are restrictive and it can be tiring and challenging to move in them. If you or other participants are not exercising regularly, this could cause fatigue and even exhaustion faster than usual and trip timings may extend. 
·       People with heart and respiratory conditions should consider that the tight fitting wetsuits and cold water may restrict your ability to breath comfortably and this could stress your condition.
·       Jumping and walking in the canyon environment requires some agility and the ability to jump forward and up from a standing position. Please practice this by jumping up one or two normal stairs prior to joining. If you can't jump, we may not let you do the jumps and set up an alternative means for you, like an abseil or zipline instead.
·       When we jump and slide from the waterfalls we will splash down into the water at high speed. If you have pre-existing shoulder, neck, head or spine and bone conditions or injuries, it’s important that you advise us so we can ensure you are given advice on how to better protect yourself and minimise re-injuring yourself.

Question 5

Are there size or weight restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Participants must be able to fit our gear. We have wetsuit sizes ranging from 3XS (40kg) to 3XL (120kg). Our largest harness is made to fit a waist 120cm. Please contact us directly with any questions.

Question 6

Are the jumps, slides, abseiling optional?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you really don’t want to do any of the elements once you are in the canyon we can provide alternative options but please be aware that some sections of the canyon are committing and once you begin the only way through is to keep going. Afraid of heights or afraid of water? Canyoning has activities that involve being at height and being in the water. Please talk to us before a tour or course if you have any concerns.

Question 7

Is canyoning above or below the ground?

Accepted Answer

Canyoning is occasionally confused as caving. They are two different disciplines that share a number of natural and technical similarities. The main difference however is that caves have a “roof” and canyons do not. The canyons at Big Rock Adventures are referred to as aquatic canyons and have been shaped by earthquakes and erosion by water over time. We have narrow smooth slot like gorges with open areas of tree lined stream way.

Question 8

Do I need to be able to swim?

Accepted Answer

Swimming is not required at normal conditions on our canyoning tours as our canyons are low volume with slow currents. Our full body wetsuits help you to float and we  use low volume buoyancy vests for both floatation, warmth and protection. Specific swimming requirements are detailed in canyoning and river rescue/safety  courses.  Please tell us when you book if you have any concerns around your swimming ability.

Question 9

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Dress for the day’s forecasted weather… long loose clothing is recommended as there are a few sandflies in the reserve. All technical equipment is provided from head to toe including neoprene socks (booties) and shoes.

Bring;
·       Towel and dry change of clothes for afterwards - wear your swimsuit under your dry clothes! There is a public DoC toilet at the canyon start point for privacy to change.
·       Medications if required (there’s bees and wasps in the surrounding forest).
·       Water bottle.
·       Special dietary/food snacks.
·       Sturdy laced up shoes if you can - old running shoes are perfect. If you don't have anything suitable, don’t worry as we will bring shoes for everybody regardless in case you don’t want to get your own wet. 
·       People with long hair should tie up their hair in consideration for wearing a helmet e.g., low /braid or pony tail.

Question 10

Can I wear my glasses or contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

If you require your glasses to see while walking in a canyon you need to have a sport strap to hold them on. There is a risk of breaking glasses when landing in the water from heights ( bigger jumps/slides). Options can be to either remove them or jump/slide from lower down/abseil. Contact lenses are considered better but remember to bring spares. We can’t guarantee the safety of your glasses so if you can do without them then all the better.

Question 11

Which tour or course should I do?

Accepted Answer

Tui and Kaumira are suited for beginners and they both have the same activities. Kaumira is more than twice as long  and generally has more drops which are also bigger. The Mount Somers canyons are twice as big again in both height, distance and time. Confidence, agility and fitness are the key considerations. Have a look at our Canyoning Tours or please contact us directly and we will help you choose a trip that fits yours or your groups needs.
 
If you want to go on your own adventures or become a guide, we can help you every step of the way!

Question 12

What about transport to the canyon?

Accepted Answer

All of our canyon tours are self-drive only as we no longer include transport. A pick up and drop off service is available and costs NZD 0.99 cents per kilometre per person up to 4 people maximum. If you have a larger group, please contact us for transport options.

Question 13

Can I come alone? Do I need to book in advance for a canyon tour?

Accepted Answer

Travelling alone?  We run with a minimum of x2 full paying guests, so please contact us in advance so we can co-ordinate to a day that is already going.
 
Space can be limited, particularly in peak season so we highly recommend booking in advance. If you are a large group, be sure to have one or two dates in mind when booking!
 
Bookings are not confirmed until you have paid in full.

Question 14

Can I bring a mounted action camera?

Accepted Answer

Your canyon guide will have an action camera and will film footage for an edited highlights movie that we include as part of your tour package. We share it with our guests via the Big Rock Adventures Facebook account, so please have a look and Like us to get notified when they are up.

You are welcome to bring your own camera at your own risk. Your camera needs to be hands free. This means it needs to be chest or helmet mounted. No handheld/selfie stick cameras will be permitted canyoning.

Question 15

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations by the participant made within 1 day (24 hours) of booking arrival date incur a 100% cancellation fee.
 
Cancellations made with more than 1 day (25 hours or greater) notice incur an administration charge of 30% of total booking fee.
 
For cancellations by the organiser before the start of the activity the participant will receive a 100% refund.

If the participant discontinues or leaves the activity before it is over, there is no refund.
 
Please see our Terms & Conditions for further details

Question 16

Are we closed during winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's waaaay too cold! Our season starts again October 1st (Tui Canyon - ChCh trip) and November 1st (Kaumira Canyon - Geraldine/Lake Tekapo trip) and our other expedition trips.  Our season runs through until the end of April!

Frequently asked questions