A medium level of fitness is what you need. The hike is around 4km on a well-marked track – over farmland, through native bush, along the river edge and down through the river itself. The rocks can be slippery, so take your time and watch your footing. It’s an adventure, not a boardwalk stroll.
Yes – you’ll be walking through the river for part of the hike, with the water typically ranging from ankle to mid-thigh deep. Come dressed for it and you’ll love it. Fair warning given.
No – swimming isn’t required. There is an optional ‘swim out’ at the end of the hike if you fancy it, but it’s entirely your choice.
Closed-toe shoes that can get soaked and stay on your feet – sneakers are perfect, jandals are not – plus shorts for the river and warm clothes for when you climb out of the chasm. Bring water, a picnic to have at Wave Rock, and your camera or phone in a bag you don’t mind splashing. A dry change of clothes waiting in the car is a very good idea.
Yes – a hiking pole is highly recommended, especially if your balance is somewhat challenged. They’re very handy in the river, where the rocks can catch you out, and they make a real difference to your footing.
The walk isn’t recommended for children under 6. If you’re bringing a younger child in a backpack, we strongly recommend a hiking pole to help you balance – falling with a child on your back is the thing we most want to avoid.
No – dogs are not allowed. Patuna is a working sheep and beef farm.
Yes – there are toilets on site. Best to go before the trailer leaves.
The hike itself is roughly 4km and the walk is allocated 3 hours. Allow about 3.5 hours in total from your walk time until you’re back at your vehicle – that includes the ride to and from the chasm over private farmland.
Let us know when you book if you’d like to take longer and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Just note you can’t book the last walk of the day if you’re planning a slow one.
$50 for adults and $25 for children aged 17 and under. Bookings are essential.
Yes – everyone books online, with three exceptions: groups of more than 15 people, schools, and anyone wanting to self-drive a 4WD in convoy.
If you have a suitable 4WD you’re welcome to follow the Patuna transport out to the start of the walk, driving in convoy with our vehicles. This must be pre-booked directly with us – please don’t book it online. Pricing is the same as the standard walk.
Walks run from Labour Weekend through to Easter, approximately – river levels and weather have the final say. Bookings for the new season open in early September.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your walk is scheduled to leave – walks depart strictly on time. If we’ve already left, there’s no refund or free rebooking, though we’ll try to fit you into another walk time the same day if we’re not fully booked. And if you’re running late for your pickup at the end of the walk, we’ll fit you on the next available pickup – on busy days you may need to wait a little longer.
Have a read of our cancellation policy below. If you wake up sick on the day, you can gift your walk to someone else for the same walk, day and time – they just need to give your booking name as the reference.
We may cancel any walk the day before departure for safety – usually weather or river levels running too high. Check our Facebook page or the website the night before your walk; if we’ve had to cancel, we’ll offer to rebook you or refund your costs in full.
If you need to cancel: 7 or more days before your walk, you’ll get a full refund minus a $5 per-person administrative fee. 4–6 days before, a 50% refund of the total booking. 3 days or less before, no refund is available. If we cancel for weather or river levels, you’re always rebooked or refunded in full.