WildWire Wanaka – Climb New Zealand’s Highest Waterfalls
WildWire Wānaka – Climb New Zealand’s Highest Waterfalls
Guided via ferrata beside Twin Falls with bridges, big views & heli finish
Climb high above Wānaka on WildWire’s spectacular via ferrata routes beside Twin Falls — New Zealand’s highest waterfall cable climb. Follow steel rungs, traverse bridges and move through dramatic alpine terrain as expert guides lead you safely up the waterfall’s face. With three climb levels and an optional abseil adventure, there’s a challenge here for every ability.
New Zealand’s Premier Waterfall Via Ferrata Adventure
Join us on the world’s highest waterfall via Ferrata adventure. Twin Falls, one of Wanaka’s most stunning waterfalls, is just a short drive from Wanaka’s town centre and the entrance to Mt. Aspiring National Park.
The opportunity to explore these waterfalls up close is an unforgettable experience; discover secret pools, picnic next to towering waterfalls, and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. With ladder rungs and bridges allowing access to previously inaccessible regions, using Via Ferrata systems affords even the most inexperienced adventurers an incredible opportunity.
Wild Wire Wanaka offer four waterfall climb tour options:
Go Wild – the beginner’s tour, which is gently graded and easier to travel.
Wild Thing is the intermediate route, which grows steeper and more adventurous.
While Lord of the Rungs is our newest advanced trip. This excursion ascends 400 vertical metres from the valley floor to the very top of the waterfall, traverses over 1000m of climbing behind the cascade and across overhangs, and concludes with a helicopter flight back to the ground.
On all trips, we stop regularly for breaks so you can take in the breathtaking scenery. Our highly-skilled crew guarantees your safety at every level.
Lord of the Rungs Climb Wanaka
Lord of the Rungs is the world’s highest waterfall cable climb. Reaching the top will take you through 450m of vertical terrain.
With three levels to choose from, there are options to suit the ability of every adventurer. No experience is needed on any of our climbs.
Via Ferrata is the technical name for our climb – which means ‘iron path’. It is a climbing route built with steel rungs and cables fixed to the rock. It allows safe travel through vertical terrain, which would otherwise be impossible.
If you are up for an adventure of a lifetime, check out our cable climbing options below and get ready for some Sheer vertical fun!
Wild Wire Wanaka
Go Wild Waterfall Climb
Level 1 (Lower)
Price: Adult $199 per person – Child $199 pp (Upto 15 yrs old)
Departs Wanaka: 9:00 am
Tour Duration: 3 Hours (approx)
Level: Easiest
Tour Description:
Go Wild will take you into the heart of the waterfall, exposing hidden pools and crossing three suspension bridges before crossing our final 35m bridge and traversing back to the base along a picturesque trail.
We pick you up in Wanaka and drive through stunning scenery to the base of the Twin Falls Waterfall. We’ll teach you everything you need to know before starting your climb. You will be instructed by one of our friendly guides for the whole trip.
Quick Facts:
- Go Wild is our shortest climb (Approximately 1 hour of climbing).
- Descent is approximately 20mins by trail.
- Essential fitness is required. (You must be happy walking on uneven terrain for up to 2 hours.)
- This climb is suitable for anyone nine years+ and over 120cm (please call to discuss for children under 9)
- Guiding ratio: 1 guide to 6 participants
What’s Included:
Guide, Transport to and from Twin Falls Waterfall (ex Wanaka), snacks, and all climbing & safety equipment.
Wild Wire Wanaka
Wild Thing Waterfall Climb
Level 2 (Upper)
Price: Adult $375 per person
Departs Wanaka: 10:00 am
Tour Duration: 5 Hours (approx)
Level: Medium. Suitable for more adventurous beginners
Wild Thing is our most popular climb, suitable for adventurous, active beginners. Having completed the Go Wild section, we climb higher, crossing two more suspension bridges, including a 3-wire bridge, before finishing at the base of a spectacular 60m waterfall.
This section of the climb is steeper and more exposed, offering a perfect balance of challenge and achievability and opening up fantastic views.
We pick you up in Wanaka and drive through stunning scenery to the base of the Twin Falls Waterfall. We’ll teach you everything you need to know before starting your climb, and you’ll receive instructions from one of our excellent guides the whole trip.
Quick Facts:
- Wild Thing is our most popular climb (Approximately 3 hours of climbing).
- This climbing trip climbs approximately 300m vertically and travels through 750m terrain.
- Descent is about 45mins by trail.
- Climbers require moderate fitness and are happy walking on hilly terrain for up 3-4 hours.
- This climb is suitable for anyone 12 years +
- Guiding ratio: 1 guide to 4 participants.
What’s Included:
Guide, Transport to and from Twin Falls Waterfall (ex Wanaka), snacks and lunch/afternoon tea, and all climbing & safety equipment.
Wild Wire Wanaka - Lord of the Rungs - Advanced Waterfall Climb
Level 3 (Full Climb)
Price: Adult $750 per person
Departs Wanaka: 10:00 am
Tour Duration: 7 Hours (approx)
Level: Medium-hard. Suitable for fit, adventure-seeking beginners.
Our most advanced climb and a fantastic experience! Lord of the Rungs is our most advanced climb, suitable for fit adventure seekers with an excellent head for heights! Along the way, you will cross a 3-wire bridge, go behind a 60m waterfall and climb through an airy overhang. You will climb the entire waterfall to the top and finish by helicopter.
We pick you up in Wanaka (self-drive option available) and drive through stunning scenery to the base of the Twin Falls Waterfall. We’ll teach you everything you need to know before starting your climb, and you’ll be given helpful instructions by one of our excellent guides for the whole trip.
Quick Facts:
- This is the highest waterfall climb in the world! (Includes approximately 5 hours of climbing).
- LOTR climbs approximately 450m vertically and travels through 1000m of terrain.
- Descent is by helicopter.
- This tour is suitable for fit adventure seekers.
- No previous climbing experience is required.
- Good fitness is required to climb. You must be able to scramble on hilly terrain for 5-7 hours and support your weight with your arms.
- Guiding ratio: 1 guide to 2 participants.
What’s Included:
Guide, Transport to and from Twin Falls Waterfall (ex Wanaka), snacks and lunch/ afternoon tea, and all climbing & safety equipment.
Abseiling Twin Falls Canyon (Level 1)
Price: Adult $329 per person
Departs Wanaka: 10:00 am
Tour Duration: 5 Hours (approx)
Level: Medium. Suitable for more adventurous beginners.
You will get wet! Get up close and personal with the waterfall by abseiling/rappelling the upper section of the Twin Falls canyon. Fly to the top of the waterfall in a helicopter.
learn abseil skills before abseiling ten waterfalls before exiting the canyon and finally join our trail down. No previous abseiling or climbing experience is required, but reasonable fitness is. Bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for some fun!
Highlights:
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Helicopter to the top!
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Get up close and personal with Twin Falls
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Abseil/rappel 10 beautiful waterfalls
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Immerse yourself in native bush
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Exceptional mountain and lake views
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Awesome adventure
Included on all Wild Wire tours:
- Expert Guide and Training
- Helmets and Harnesses
- Via Ferrata Lanyard and Safety Equipment
- Transport to/from Wanaka town centre
- Fingerless gloves
- Snacks and Water
- Open all year round
- Helicopter Egress (on Lord of the Rungs)
Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Return to Lake Wanaka Page
Frequently Asked Questions – WildWire Wānaka Waterfall Climb
What makes WildWire Lake Wānaka’s Waterfall Climbing Adventure a unique experience?
WildWire combines a spectacular setting at Twin Falls with a guided via ferrata route that lets you clip in and safely climb beside cascading water. Expect secret pools, airy bridges, big views over Lake Wānaka, and an achievable sense of exposure that makes normally inaccessible terrain possible for everyday adventurers.
How do the different waterfall climb options cater to various skill levels?
Choose the climb that fits your comfort and fitness: Go Wild (Level 1) is ideal for first-timers, Wild Thing (Level 2) adds height, exposure and bridge crossings, and Lord of the Rungs (Level 3) links the full line for a full-day challenge with serious vertical and a dramatic finish.
Is prior climbing experience necessary to join the Lord of the Rungs climb?
No technical climbing experience is required — your guide teaches the via ferrata system and progression. You should be reasonably fit, comfortable at heights, and ready for 5–7 hours on hilly terrain. If you’re unsure, start with Wild Thing; your guide can advise if stepping up is right for you.
What safety measures are in place during these waterfall climbs?
Trips are guide-led with detailed briefings and continuous coaching. You’ll use purpose-built via ferrata lanyards, helmets and harnesses, moving on fixed rungs and cables designed for security. Group sizes are managed, routes have escape options, and weather checks ensure conditions are suitable before you clip on.
Why choose the WildWire Wānaka adventure for your next outdoor activity?
It’s a bucket-list alpine experience: climb beside thundering waterfalls, cross airy bridges, and top out to vast Southern Alps views — supported by expert local guides. It’s an uplifting mix of challenge, confidence-building and scenery that leaves you buzzing long after you unclip.
What should I bring and wear?
Closed-toe shoes with good grip, activewear layers, a windproof or rain shell, sunscreen, sunglasses with a retainer, and 1–2 litres of water. Snacks are useful on longer climbs. All technical climbing gear, helmets, and harnesses are provided by WildWire.
How fit do I need to be?
Go Wild suits most active first-timers. Wild Thing requires moderate fitness and some comfort with heights. Lord of the Rungs is a full-day effort with sustained vertical climbing — best for confident, reasonably fit adventurers looking for a rewarding challenge.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides assess wind, rain, and river conditions before every trip. If the weather is unsafe, the itinerary may be adjusted, delayed, or rescheduled for safety. You’ll be advised of your options early, and the team will ensure your experience remains enjoyable and safe.
Recent TripAdvisor Reviews for Wildwire Wanaka
Lloyd Smith – Mountain View, CA
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: Challenging and Satisfying Comfort Zone Stretch
Date: Mar 2025 • Couples
Excerpt:
“My wife (61) and I (58) thoroughly enjoyed our climb today, largely due to our amazing guide Jasper. He had the perfect blend of safety-related seriousness, teaching excellence, confidence-boosting encouragement, and charismatic humour. My wife climbed to level 1 height and I continued with Jasper and 2 other participants to level 2. All of the staff, including Jasper’s calm demeanor and effective instruction, gave my wife the confidence to reach heights she wouldn’t otherwise have done.
Today’s experience challenged me more so mentally than physically, and stretched my comfort zone. The scary heights and stunning waterfall views exceeded my expectations. Everything was top quality from the climbing equipment to the lunch + snack included from a locally-sourced Wanaka provider. Wild Wire is superior value to other adventure activities we did in Queenstown, like bungy jumping. Certainly a highlight of our NZ vacation that I highly recommend.”
Kylie S – Sydney, Australia
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: Do it for sure
Date: 9 Mar 2025
Excerpt:
“Loved this experience. Felt super safe. Our guide, Alison was amazing and even snapped some photos along the way. Do it for sure.”
janeclark2025 – Sydney, Australia
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: Lord of the Rungs (Level 3)
Date: Mar 2025
Excerpt:
“Excellent, challenging, exhilarating with spectacular views. The helicopter ride down after completing level 3 was the icing on the cake. Thank you Sarah L for your competent guiding and photography. Highly recommend.”
brian f – Mission Viejo, CA
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: Mind-blowing high adrenaline adventure
Date: 6 Mar 2025
Excerpt:
“Amazing, unique, adrenaline pumping adventure as you scale about 1700 feet up the waterfall. It tests your fears and your limits. Alison was an awesome guide and even a person terrified of heights did it and enjoyed it. So glad we did this!”
Jay S – Long Island, NY
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: A highlight of our New Zealand vacation
Date: Feb 2025 (Written 2 Mar 2025)
Excerpt:
“We had such a great time doing the Wanaka widower via Ferrata. This is our 8th one and it was definitely amongst our best. Beautiful location by a waterfall. We highly recommend.”
ed c
Rating: ★★★★½
Review Title: An excellent morning out on something different
Date: Feb 2025 (Written 1 Mar 2025)
Excerpt:
“Wildwire allows ‘ordinary mortals’ to ascent a steep waterfall, expertly guided by experienced and friendly guides. The course(s) are setup so you are gradually introduced to the world of via feratta. Via feratta is very common in Europe, especially Italy, Austria, France, etc.. Allowing people without rock climbing skills and experience to experience a ‘similar atmosphere’ – high up and a tiny ledge. The safety issue is very well managed – with a minimum of 2 safety points at any one time during the climb, even during the transition from one safety section to the next.”
Elese D – Brisbane, Australia
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Title: Awesome day!
Date: 26 Feb 2025
Excerpt:
“A really nice, clean Via Feratta. The waterfalls added another aspect, which was absolutely great. Guides were so thoughtful and encouraging to our teammate, who had never done anything like this before, and was super-anxious!!! Easy to book, well organised, and they take safety super-seriously! Great lunch supplied. Overall, it was a really fab experience from start to finish! Take water sunscreen and all your trust…..enjoy!”
These reviews reflect the high level of satisfaction from a diverse group of adventurers—from seasoned climbers to first-timers—all appreciating the expert guidance, safety, and unforgettable experience Wildwire Wanaka offers.