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 2026-2027
Our guides are certified under the NZOIA* Canyon qualification framework [some guides may have equivalent 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 Association
Meet our Guides
Tomas Quesada
I’m Tomas, born in Mataro (BCN) and based in the Catalan Pyrenees, where I work as a canyon guide. I’ve been canyoning since I was a child, and two years ago, I converted one of my passions into my job.
I’ve spent my whole life enjoying the mountains in many ways, like climbing, ice and rock, mountaineering and canyoning. And now I also give others the chance to discover the amazing world of canyoning.
Maria Cejudo Abril
Hi I am Maria a Catalan girl, a graphic designer turned canyon guide. I’ve always loved being creative, but my passion for climbing, mountains and nature led me to the outdoors.
My dream is to one day bring together these two worlds -design and adventure – into a job that truely reflects who I am.
Remy Vilanova
Kia ora I am Remy originally from the French Alps where I have been guiding canyon trips for years.
I am all about creating a friendly supportive atmosphere where everyone feels confident to enjoy the canyon at their own pace.
New Zealand landscapes inspire me everyday. I can’t wait to take you in an unforgettable adventure.
Raphael Dorr
I am a french guide who has travelled extensively for canyoning, a passion I love, among many other mountain related activities. I spend most of my time in the mountains, following the wind and the sun for fun.
I am committed to helping you achieve improvements you never thought possible within yourself, and to guide you through the beautiful and inaccessible places where water and rock merge into the wild world we call a “canyon”
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.