Dropping into canyons since 1994
Deep Canyon, Wanaka, have been running trips since 1994, the first in the country to do so. Our guides are very experienced and easy to get on with, not to mention super-keen!
Our equipment and procedures are of the highest standard and our commitment to safety is absolute. This allows us to run maximum adventure/maximum fun trips in wild and fantastic situations. Our focus is strongly on personal satisfaction and good humour.
Deep Canyon Employment Application Form 2024-2025
Our guides are certified under the NZOIA* Canyon qualification framework [some guides may have further overseas based qualifications]. This is a New Zealand specific programme and Deep Canyon is actively involved in setting the standards for, and assessing on, the programme.
- Guide with us:
New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Associ
Meet our Guides
Jon Alzibar
Coming from the Basque Country and with the Pyrinees as a second home, Jon has more than 15 years working in adventure sports. Mountain guiding and canyoning are his passion and in the last 6 years working in these sports. Jon is a IFMGA (UIAGM) registered guide, he practices rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, skiing…a non stop soul.
Iherai Martin
Iherai is a 25-year-old canyoning enthusiast who has been passionate about the sport for 6 years. In 2020, he took the leap to turn this passion into a profession, dedicating himself to guiding in extreme sports. Since then, he has been lucky enough to explore stunning locations like Mexico, France, Morocco, and Portugal.
However, the Aragonese Pyrenees and the Basque Country (his home) have been the ultimate classroom, where he’s honed his skills and techniques. For Iherai, every descent is a new opportunity to grow and experience the thrill of canyoning to the fullest!
Daniel Mayol
Originally from the southeast of Spain, Dani brings his passion for sports and travel to the Deep Canyon team. A fully qualified guide with experience as a canyoning instructor in Spain, he is known for his professionalism and friendly approach. Dani is thrilled to join us this season and share his expertise with adventurers!
Yorik Ferriol
Yorik is originally from France, where he grew up in the Alps, spending his childhood exploring the mountains and wild rivers. His love for nature and adventure naturally led him to become an instructor, eager to share the thrill of these environments with others.
To deepen his expertise, Yorik traveled to Canada, where he focused on honing his canyoning skills. Now based in New Zealand, he’s excited to guide canyoning adventures, offering others the chance to experience the unique beauty and adrenaline of this incredible sport.
Dave Vass
Dave is the owner and has been since um, way back when it was the first and only canyoning company in NZ. Dave has tons of experience in ice, rock and mountain climbing, caving, river trips, rope access work, search and rescue and freediving. Oh and of course canyoning in which he is a pioneer of the NZ canyoning scene with lots of exploring and first descents. He was also an assessor and developer of the NZOIA canyon guides programme.
Dave broke his neck a while back while hiking and now doesn’t do any of that stuff. He does however keep an eye on things and holds the title in the company of Figurehead. A former member of the Otago Conservation Board, an advocate for recreational access to the great outdoors and has been busy writing a bunch of ripping yarns, check out his book “Not set in Stone”.
Ros Goulding
General Manager at Deep Canyon.
With a B. Com from Otago University and a background in business and guiding, along with a wealth of recreational mountaineering, skiing, hiking and sailing. Ros always looks forward to the challenges of managing Deep Canyon.
Jessica Russell
Digital Administrator at Deep Canyon.
Hailing from Virginia, USA, Jess has always been drawn to photography, digital marketing, and outdoor adventure. Rarely found without a camera in hand, she was thrilled to join Deep Canyon as a Digital Administrator—a role that perfectly blends her passions. Alongside showcasing the adrenaline and breathtaking beauty of canyoning online, Jess also helps provide support with various administrative tasks. Excited to call New Zealand her new home, she’s eager to dive into this adventure and share it with the world.