New Zealand Abseiling - The Scariest Descent Ever

Abseiling is the sport of descending on a fixed rope. It originates from the German word abseilen which means to rope down. It is also called rappelling (American English) and roping (Australian English).

From atop a cliff, you step back off it with only a thin rope between you and the ground several feet down. It takes guts to descend and complete this hair raising adventure. The safety procedures are vital to be followed to ensure that you reach the ground safely.

This sport involves wearing important safety equipment. The rope consists of an interior core of kern (twisted fibres) covered by an exterior anti-abrasive sheath (coloured fibres) that is designed for durability, strength and flexibility. The rope is low stretch material used to reduce the bounce and for easier descent.

Another vital component is the descender (usually a figure 8) which is a device used by the abseiler to put out rope with minimum fuss. The descender can increase or decrease the friction on the rope passing through it. A higher friction causes the slow movement of the rope and vice versa.

The harness is tied around the waist to help secure the descender. A comfortable harness is vital for long descents.

Helmets (to protect your head from bumping and falling rocks), gloves (to protect your hands when holding the rope or hitting against the rock), good quality boots and knee and elbow pads (protection of joints when hitting or crawling) complete the equipment kit.

New Zealand has outstanding abseiling locations to pump your adrenaline to an all time high. There are qualified operators who can help you experience the thrill of this high octane adventure sport.

In the North Island of New Zealand, Wharepapa South, 25 km south east of Te Awamutu is an excellent location for abseiling. Waitomo in Central North Island provides the longest abseiling adventure in New Zealand where you abseil down a 100 m hole (tomo) into the Lost World. Another abseiling beauty is at Whanganui Bay at Lake Taupo.

In the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka, Christchurch and Queenstown offer excellent abseiling thrills. Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to take abseiling courses conducted by fully qualified instructors.

Abseiling in New Zealand is regulated by New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association (

). This body also offers the services of trained instructors if hobbyists want to get serious about this sport.

Points to note:

• Abseiling requires attention to detail.
• Double check the rope on which you are preparing to abseil.
• Tossing the rope correctly is the first step to enjoy a good rappelling session.
• Ensure that your block knot is a tight knot.
• On a windy day, when you toss your rope, it may become entangled. Remove the tangles before you start to abseil.
• Plan well in advance the method of retrieval of your rope after abseiling.
• You would be well advised to abseil with a trained instructor if you are a newbie to this sport.

To travel around the various magnificent abseiling locations in New Zealand, you will need an efficent and quality New Zealand car rental and/or a New Zealand campervan hire.

Jucy Rentals can take the responsibility of providing you with a top quality rental vehicle at extremely affordable prices to allow you the luxury of having a grand New Zealand abseiling adventure.