Frequently asked questions

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!

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.

No previous canyoning experience is needed for Tui Canyon or Kaumira Canyon. Both are suitable for first-time canyoners, and our guides will teach you everything you need to know before entering the canyon.You’ll be introduced to the equipment and techniques you’ll use, with opportunities to build confidence as you progress.You also don’t have to do every jump or tackle every waterfall the same way. Where needed, your guide can use alternative techniques, including lowering you on the rope, so the experience can be adapted to your confidence and comfort level.Mt Somers is our advanced canyon and does require previous canyoning experience. Please check the trip requirements before booking to make sure it’s the right adventure for you.Already have canyoning or abseiling experience? Let us know — there may be opportunities for additional challenges along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you require your glasses to see while adventuring with us, you need to have a sport strap to hold them on. There is a risk of breaking glasses when you make contact with the water when jumping, sliding. 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.

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.

Tui Canyon – Canyoning Christchurch You can self-drive and meet us directly at our Tui Canyon meeting point near Glentui.Kaumira Canyon – Canyoning Geraldine / Lake Tekapo / Timaru/ South CanterburySelf-driving guests meet us in Cave on SH8, conveniently located between Timaru and Lake Tekapo. From there, we travel together to Kaumira Canyon at Mt Nimrod Reserve.Staying in Geraldine For Kaumira Canyon?Geraldine is home to Big Rock Adventures, so we offer complimentary pickup and drop-off for guests staying locally.If you’re continuing your travels after your canyoning trip, however, we recommend self-driving to the designated meeting point. This means you’ll have your vehicle with you at the end of the day and can easily continue on to your next destination.

Yes. All canyoning trips must be booked in advance. Space can be limited, particularly during peak season, so the earlier you book, the better your choice of dates.Travelling alone or as a smaller group? Our trips run with a minimum of 4 guests. If you are travelling alone, please contact us prior to booking.Travelling with a larger group? It’s a good idea to have one or two possible dates in mind, particularly during peak season when availability can fill quickly.

Your canyon guide will carry an action camera and capture footage throughout your trip. After your adventure, we’ll create an edited highlights video, which is included as part of your tour and shared with you via a private link.We ask that guests do not bring their own cameras or GoPros into the canyon. This allows you to focus on the experience, keeps your hands free and helps our guides keep everyone moving safely through the canyon.So leave the camera behind — we’ll capture the adventure for you!

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

Absolutely. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Geraldine, Kaumira Canyon is an incredible full-day option. Big Rock Adventures is based in Geraldine, and if you’re staying locally, we offer complimentary pick-up and return transport from town.If you have onward travel plans after your trip, we’ll normally arrange to meet you in Cave so you can continue your journey from there.

If you’re searching for adventurous things to do in Lake Tekapo, canyoning makes an incredible day trip. Big Rock Adventures’ Kaumira Canyon is located in South Canterbury, with guests travelling from Lake Tekapo to meet us in the town of Cave before continuing to the canyon, in convoy, to Mt Nimrod Reserve.Kaumira is a full-day canyoning adventure featuring waterfall abseils, natural slides, jumps and ziplines. No previous canyoning experience is needed, and all canyoning equipment, lunch, snacks and a highlights video are included. Must be comfortable with heights.

Yes, it's waaaay too cold! The canyoning 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!