As a frequent visitor to Treble Cone and Mt Aspiring National Park, the tall waterfalls decorating the mountains near Glendhu Bay in Wānaka have long been a fixture in my mind of local landmarks.
Twin Falls is stunning, and now you can climb up next to them with Wildwire, Wanaka's very own via ferrata. For some of the best views in New Zealand combined with an adventure you'll never forget, it's the perfect activity for all on your next trip to the mountains down south, any time of year.
Looking out towards Twin Falls in the Mātukituki Valley in Wānaka.
For a long time, via ferratas have decorated the mountains of Europe, especially in the Dolomites in Italy where they were used by farmers to reach their higher pastures, but also to help move troops in the Alps in World War I.
Iron rungs, cables and ladders were permanently fixed to the rock faces to enable people to climb easier. Now they've evolved into tourist routes and safe adventure activities worldwide, which don't require rock-climbing or technical experience. Securely roped in through a safe system, you can use bridges, ladders and other adrenaline-pumped ways to ascend the mountains.
What a view over Wānaka.
Wildwire Wānaka offers three ways to experience the via ferrata over Twin Falls – easy, intermediate and advanced – so there is something for all levels, from scaredy-cat to fearless adventurer.
It's a great family or team-building activity, or for those just looking for a new way to experience the mighty mountains around Wānaka that isn't queuing up in the long line up Mt Roy. You stay dry the whole time, and are helped by experienced Wildwire guides. The adventure was dreamed up by the local Morrison family, with support of the Ewings and Cattle Flat Station.
Climbing up next to a thundering waterfall is a once in a lifetime experience for many.
For those of us who have gazed at these beautiful waterfalls for years, it's an incredible and unique opportunity to get up close to them, and experience their beauty in a way you just couldn't otherwise.
Opting to go all in, we signed up for the Lord of the Rungs, the advanced climb that takes you all the way to the top of the falls, and includes a scenic helicopter flight back down. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for those who crave adrenaline-pumping adventures, it even includes some overhangs. The views and experience are certainly worth it.
The surprise beech forest at the top of the falls.
On this via ferrata experience you'll climb up next to secret pools, hidden canyons, picnic next to a mighty waterfall and experience the inner workings of the mountains around Wānaka in a truly unique fashion.
The highest waterfall climb in the world promises to delight and surprise all who can find the nerve to start climbing up. It's definitely one for the bucketlist.
The writer and companion were hosted on the experience by Wildwire