This is truly Canyoning New Zealand style! Perhaps the biggest, most exciting and challenging adventure activity in New Zealand. We are located near Thames in the dramatic Kauaeranga valley on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is an adventure of a lifetime and is something unforgettable.
The Sleeping God canyon tour is a vertical descent of over three hundred metres down a steep set of waterfalls involving abseils/rappels of up to 80 metres, exhilarating water slides and jumps as high as 14 metres into deep dark pools which are guaranteed to thrill the most intrepid explorer!
The Challenge & Reward
You will be challenged to do things that you may have never believed you would ever do, however, this does have the consequence of a positively mind blowing and unforgettable day out!
With professional canyoning guides and small groups, this is the ultimate canyoning experience and it doesn't get any better than this! The tour is aimed at people with a real taste for adventure and a good level of fitness (comparable to a day of hiking). Big jumps are optional, abseils/rappels are not.
The Journey
The journey starts at the bottom of the valley floor with a brief korero (talk) about the area history, including the pre-european and kauri logging history. Then the hikoi (walk) begins as we ascend to the top of the river and into the top of the canyon where the views are grand and the experience of what you are about to do finally hits you! We then put our gear on and start the descent after receiving safety instructions, an abseiling lesson and a traditional karakia (prayer) before dropping over the first 30 metre waterfall.
Where we meet in Coromandel
An all day canyoning adventure
- We meet at the Kauaeranga visitor centre at 8.30am and return at approximately 5.30pm.
- Times vary considerably depending on the numbers and client ability
- Big jumps are optional, abseils/rappels are not.
- All gear is provided including transport, all equipment, expert canyoning guides, safety instructions, lunch, post trip burger and great photos.
Health and fitness requirements
Participants must be moderately fit - e.g. be able to go bush walking or skiing for a day. They should not be heavily overweight or suffer from serious health problems such as heart complaints or significant back complaints. All medical issues must be declared when checking in and also when asked by your guides. In most cases, minor medical issues will not preclude participation. However, it is important that the booking staff and activity guides are made aware of any issues prior to commencement of the activity for your safety and the safety of others.
Check out some of the past trips we've done
The pictures are awesome, but seeing it in person is even better!
New Zealand surfing legend Ella Williams comes Canyoning with Canyonz!!
The nicest person you've ever met! It was awesome to have Ella come through with us, check out this video... she nailed the big jump too!
FAQs
Check out some of our Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the day?
This varies depending on group size however trips depart Thames at 8am in winter and 8:30am in summer with groups normally returning between 5:30pm and 7pm. A FULL day of adventure!
What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring is a water bottle, sunscreen, swim-wear, a towel and something warm to put on afterwards.
Do I need to bring my own shoes?
You are welcome to bring your own shoes (some prefer to wear their own) but all canyoning equipment is provided including footwear.
Can I wear my glasses?
We do not reccommend wearing glasses. Contact lenses are preferable, however, if this is not an option then glasses must be secured using a strap otherwise the guides will secure them to the helmet as best as they can.
What is the minimum number of person/s?
Our policy for running trips is a minimum of three people. Most days throughout summer we have individuals as well groups of various sizes booking in, so you're more than welcome to book alone, this merely means we need to have a minimum of three people (total) to operate the trip. The Halfie will go out for just 2 people! So if you're travelling alone then you're more than welcome too!
Can children do the canyoning trip?
The minimum age is 15 years for the full day and 12 years old for the Halfie.
Do I have to book in advance?
Yes you should book your canyoning trip at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise you should phone the free phone number (0800 422 696) to check availability.
Will I get cold?
From December through to March the weather is warm and sunblock should be worn. The water temperature does range however and the conditions can quickly become windy and cold - but also fairly hot! We do have thermals, 5mm full wetsuits and even neoprene hoodies available for those prone to getting chilly.
In the 'winter' season - May through to October the temperature is cooler. It is still very manageable and you do get the advantage of higher flowing water which tends to increase the 'adventure' factor.
Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own waterproof camera, however this is at your own risk to any damage that it may incur. We provide a photo service free of charge so you can enjoy the views and focus on what you are doing.
Do I need to have any previous experience?
No prior experience is needed. We give full instruction on all the necessary skills and we have systems to ensure you are safe at all times on rope.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Strong swimming ability is not critical however being confident in deep water is. Our wetsuits are very buoyant so as long as you don't panic you'll float! This does change in higher water where swimming ability is needed.
How fit do I need to be?
A reasonable standard of fitness is required. It is comparable to completing a day hike and in fact, it is just the first 40-50 minutes of the adventure that is up hill. The rest of the day is spent coming down!
How long are we canyoning for?
We are in the canyon for about 5-6 hours for the full day trip and 2-3 hours for the Halfie. This varies depending on group size and ability.
Do we have to jump off cliffs into the water?
All jumps are optional and prior to jumping off the larger jumps the guides will first determine if it is safe for you to do so. All abseils are compulsory though!
