Deep Canyon — Attraction in South Island

EXTREMELY RUDE STAFF!!!

I called this morning to get a second opinion about recreationally running a canyon or not today due to rain in the forecast. The woman who I spoke to asked if I checked the forecast and what I thought. I said that I knew there was rain forecast, and I also know that the rivers and canyons have been extremely low this season. As I was saying this though, she very rudely cut me off and asked if I actually looked at the forecast and if I knew how rain worked..... Wow, what an incredibly rude question! Obviously I know how rain works and know that canyons can fill up when it rains. I've also spent the entire summer around central Otago and know that with all of the rain we have gotten this summer, the river and canyon levels have been so low that most of them have been able to be run recreationally even despite large storms. Then she said "I know you're not from here and you don't understand how the weather works in this country, but it would be absolutely RIDICULOUS for you to run those canyons today!" That was absolutely unnecessarily rude and extremely uncalled for. My friend who I was going out with and I are both canyon guides and mountaineers and very much understand how weather works. We had driven multiple hours to get there and were just trying to be safe and get a second opinion from someone local who could advise us well and help us to make a safe and informed decision before we completely called off our entire trip.

She easily could have been kind about it and just said that it wouldn't be a very safe decision to go out, but instead, she made me feel like a complete idiot, very rudely cut me off every time I tried to say something, and gave me an extremely negative view of this company and the people who run canyons in this area.

I will very much NOT be returning to this company for any advice or bookings in the future and would not recommend them to...

We have been traveling to so many places and tried all kinds of adventures. But this was the best! I’m pretty confident no experience can beat this one! My husband and I did the Wilson canyoning with Renaule ( French name not sure about the spelling) and Robin as our guide! The are amazing! This is an advanced canyoning especially with heavy water flow. They kept us safe and made it epic! I felt confident and safe with them guiding me!!! Follow their instructions and it will be the best of your day! I fell at the water fall at very beginning due to the heavy flow. Robin caught me and lifted me up with one hand in 2 seconds!!! Renaule was very thoughtful- use the backpack to make sure I’m floating well and confident! I’m short... sometimes I can’t reach to the top of the rock. They were very kind to allow me stepping on their legs or lift me up (it’s not easy- I’m 50KG+ gear+ water in the wetsuit).

The also prepared hot tea during the break in the canyon! The water was about 10 degree and the hot tea was life saver!

To celebrate our epic experience, the also made us super delicious late lunch when we were out! Can’t imagine how much calories I burnt!

If you do want the best canyoning experience. Do Wilson canyon! And most importantly do it with Robin...

Canyoning was awesome! Robin is a real pro, he understands individuals personal limitations but is still very encouraging for people to leave their comfort zones, with safety always at the forefront. On booking, we asked for Imp Grotto with a group of three, and were told that it would be numbers permitting. But on the day of the activity, Robin arrived in his car, loaded us in and off we went. The drive out was very scenic and Robin was a great host. A quick safety brief, and then an excellent way of turning our wetsuits into a backpack, off we went. The actual canyon was incredible. Very remote, we swiftly climbed up a proper goat track to get to the beginning of the canyon. Another safety brief and a practical explanation of the activities, off we went. Robin set up the first rappel and away we were! Down some big waterfalls, then some rock slides, a couple of jumps and more repelling, plus a nice display of how the pros do it as Robin removed all the gear on his way down. On finish, we jumped off the bridge a couple of times for some more excitement to finish. Then halfway on the drive back, we stopped for a fresh lunch in which Robin accommodated for all dietary requirements. All in all, an excellent experience that I'd...