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Lord of the Rungs - Upper (Level 2) is an epic experience that just keeps getting better!

The route follows on from the lower section. With great views, and some steeper sections, you are guaranteed a climb you will remember.

It offers breathtaking photo opportunities as you go higher and to make the adventure even more thrilling, you get an amazing 1.5-2 extra hours to climb, see the views and reach those amazing highs!

What to know

  • This is our most popular climb!

  • Round trip from Wanaka around 5 hours

  • Good Fitness required.

  • If you can climb a ladder and walk on hilly terrain for up 4 hours then you’ll be OK.

  • Suitable for fit and active beginners - no climbing experience is required.

  • All climbing & safety equipment is provided plus a training route before we start the real ascent.

  • Lunch provided on full price tours.

Highlights

  • Climb 320m (1050ft) vertical alongside beautiful waterfalls

  • Exceptional Lake and mountain views

  • Exciting vertical climbing

  • Cross 6 suspension bridges

  • Get up close and personal with huge waterfalls

  • Stay dry! (your feet may get a little wet.)

  • An upgrade to continue on a do LOTR - Top (Level 3) may be possible on the day. Please note, Level 3 climbs run on morning trips, Mon-Sat only.

    Climbing time is an additional 1.5-2 hours after Level 1. Descent is approximately 30-45mins

    If there is no availability online, do get in touch. We will either endeavour to open up some more spaces for that trip or let you know other alternate options we can offer. We will always get back to you regardless and do our best to accommodate you when possible!

    If you have a group of 4 or more and you have no availability on any other open dates, we can look to open up a tour for you.

    For more information see our Full FAQs here.

    • Sturdy walking shoes are required.

    • Full bottle of water.

    • Active wear is recommended. Dress for the weather. (No jeans!)

    • Bring small cameras at your own risk. (GoPro mounts are available on some helmets).

    • Anyone 12 years or older (please call to discuss for children under 12).

    • Minimum weight is 40kg, and height is 120cm.

    • Groups of up to 8 on our daily tours. For bookings of more than 8 please see our custom climbs.

    • Please be aware that a harness weight restriction of 110kgs applies – call us to discuss this for clarification.

  • We will offer a full refund if:

    • You have given at least 24hrs notice to cancel.

    • We cancel due to the weather, and you cannot reschedule.

    • We cancel due to minimum numbers are not being reached.

    Sorry, no refunds will apply to:

    • Cancellations within 24hrs of the departure date.

    • Late arrivals or no-shows on the day.

    • Downgrades or deciding not to climb.

    Please make sure you book the right climb for you!

    We reserve the right to cancel trips if the minimum number of 2 is not reached. We reserve the right to cancel if weather or any other situation should demand.

You may also like

  • Lord of the Rungs Lower

    Duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)

    Climb alongside a waterfall on our Lower Climb. In just a few hours, you will learn all you need to know to safely ascend steel rungs and cross 4 suspension bridges as you make your way up the lower section of the waterfall.

  • Lord of the Rungs Full

    Duration: 5-7 hours (approx.)

    This is our advanced climb and an absolutely amazing experience! You will climb the entire waterfall to the very top and finish by helicopter. Along the way, you will cross a 3-wire bridge, go behind a 60m waterfall and climb through an airy overhang. The Full Climb is our most advanced climb, suitable for fit adventure seekers with a great head for heights!

  • Climb & Canyon

    Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

    It’s the best of both worlds! Start by climbing our Level 1 cable climb, then join our cliffside trail to the nextdoor waterfall. Here you will get up close and personal with the waterfall by abseiling/rappelling the lower section of right-hand Twin Falls Waterfalls.