SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Wildwire Wanaka- Level 1 (2 Hours)
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Group size
- Up to 12 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 12 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
Level 1 is Wildwire's shortest climb up the fixed route beside Twin Falls, about 2 hours with a guide, safety briefing, helmet, harness, lanyard, snacks and a sweet treat. Groups are up to 12. The same limits as the longer climbs apply: 12 and over, under 16s with a guardian, moderate fitness, able to climb a ladder with both arms, and the operator wants to know if you're over 100 kg or under 40 kg.
It's a text link under the grid on our Wanaka tours comparison, next to the 4 hour Level 2 card. It has about 125 reviews, all 5 star. Bella's Odd Fins did Level 1 with family, crossing the bridges in pairs after the briefing, and found the next level would have taken about another 3 hours. Bring water, a snack and closed walking shoes, and drive yourself to the farm gate. Cancellation is listed as both 24 and 48 hours, so check.
Good for
- First timers who want a taste of via ferrata
- Families with teenagers who'd find 4 hours too long
Think twice if
- You're nervous of heights and can't switch levels halfway
- You have no car to get to Twin Falls
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff, our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world.
Our Level 1 climb involves approximately 45mins of physical climbing and 4 bridge crossings. Our Via ferrata tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. It is suitable for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness.
No experience required.
Your tour starts at the waterfall where your friendly guide will fit your safety gear and teach you how to use the equipment before starting the climb. You will be climbing on steel ladder rungs and crossing wire bridges to finish at a beautiful picnic spot. We then walk down a mountain trail and back to the base.
If you are more adventurous and are looking to explore more in this incredible vertical world, we recommend our intermediate Level 2 climb.
From the listing by Wildwire Wanaka on Viator.
What's included
- Professional guide
- GST(Goods and Services Tax)
- All equipment including helmets, harness, via ferrata lanyard, safety equipment
- Training and safety briefing
- A sweet treat
Not included
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Please meet at the farm gate at the waterfall. Take the Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road towards Treble Cone Ski field. After approximately 20 minutes, you will see 2 huge waterfalls on the left, and you will drive over a cattle stop. This is where you meet. If you hit a gravel road, you have gone too far.
Checking in
- Please meet us 30 minutes prior to your trip start time.
Please wear sturdy walking shoes with grip and suitable trekking clothes for the weather.
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements
- Please advise if over 220 pounds (100kg) or under 88 pounds (40kg)
Where it ends
Please meet at the farm gate at the waterfall. Take the Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road towards Treble Cone Ski field. After approximately 20 minutes, you will see 2 huge waterfalls on the left, and you will drive over a cattle stop. This is where you meet. If you hit a gravel road, you have gone too far.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- What to bring: water bottle, snack, sturdy close-toed walking shoes, wear comfortable trekking clothes suitable for the weather, Optional: small backpack, camera, sunglasses, sun protection (hat and sun block)
- Minimum age on this tour is 12 years. If you are under 16, you must climb our via ferrata with an adult guardian. For children under 12 a private tour may be an option. Please request upon booking.
- All minors (16 years and under) require an adult guardian’s signature on their waiver. There are no upper age limits to this activity.
- Please advise if over 220 pounds (100kg) or under 88 pounds (40kg)
- Cancelation Policy is 48 Hours prior to trip time
- Must be able to climb a ladder and use both arms
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our wanaka tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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