Canyoning is a totally unique and exciting way to see part of the Abel Tasman National Park. We get right off the beaten track and head inland away from the coast to explore the beautifully sculpted granite rock canyons in the heart of the Park.
You’ll find emerald-green pools with crystal clear water that’s pure enough to drink, and walls lined with lush ferns and deep green moss. Once you’re in, the only way out is by jumping in to the deep pools, abseiling through shimmering waterfalls, sliding down water polished chutes, and soaring above white water and giant boulders on a zipline. You’ve never been to a water park quite like this!
Guest starring: Abel Tasman Canyons
A thrilling water taxi journey from Marahau to the golden sands of Anchorage is how our Torrent River canyon adventure begins. We then enjoy a hike through beautiful native bush overlooking the stunning Abel Tasman coastline, accompanied by birdsong and amazing stories about the flora and fauna, and the history of the park. You’ll know that you’re getting close to the Torrent River as you start to hear the roar of the water cascading down the canyon. A delicious lunch and safety briefing precede the start of the seriously fun part of the day. Here’s the canyon folks, let’s do this!
After a quick dip to acclimatise yourself to the water, you get to put your equipment to use with an initiation abseil down the first rock face. This gives you the chance to get familiar with your gear and overcome any nerves you might have while your guide watches closely and the rest of your group become your cheerleaders. It’s very much a team adventure where everybody supports everyone else, and high fives are a plenty.
The adrenaline will have started coursing through your veins by now, and you’re going to be excited to see what’s round the next bend in the canyon. The Torrent River canyon offers a variety of amazing features, each with their own personality. You’ll encounter exciting zip lines, jaw dropping surprise drops, and sneaky waterfalls. One of the best things about the canyon is that the features naturally build up gradually, allowing you to increase your confidence from one stage to the next. The most challenging eight metre jump is way down the canyon, so by then you’ll be styling everything!
Leaping in to mid-air from a high rock and free-falling in to a deep crystal clear pool with white water gushing around you is the best way to remind yourself that you’re alive. The sound of the water and the feel of it seeping through your wetsuit only add to the experience as you emerge from the depths to take a big beautiful breath of fresh air. You look around you with a big grin to see the rest of your team cheering you on!
By the time the eight metre jump is upon you, you’ll start to notice that the group has taken on a different persona. Those that may have been timid and nervous at the beginning will be grinning from ear to ear as they’ve learned just what they’re capable of; and those that are more accustomed to the thrills of the great outdoors will be visibly in their element.
Be prepared to strike an epic pose and start getting to know your inner superhero. You’ll feel like you could go and tackle anything by the end of the trip! You’ll probably also feel pretty tired after achieving so much and taking a few steps out of your comfort zone in a single day!
