Author: Dan Clearwater

Flop n Drop (upper) v3a3II**

15m max drop (1x40m rope recommended) 2hrs/2 + 2hr/1hr (Approach /upper + lower section / return) Public access An ideal beginner canyon to have fun down and learn ropework. None of the drops are too committing, you can scout everything on the way up and there are a ton of slides! Those heading to the…

Camp Creek v4a3III*

15m | 5hrs | Public access
Lake Brunner area, West Coast

Canyon Creek v5a3IV**

2x80m | Full day | Public Access
A high-quality remote canyon accessed by boat accross Lake Te Anau

St Pauls Canyon v4a3III*

60m| Half day | Public Access
Awe Burn Valley, Lake Manapouri

About 10 pitches in relatively low flows

Son of Gloomy

Descended by the French Aotearoa Exped in 2017, whilst scouting the Gloomy Gorge area. Second descent in Feb 2024 by Andrew Humphreys, Charlotte Workman et al. First descent French Aotearoa Expedition 2016/17, whilst in preparations to descent Gloomy Gorge. Second known descent, Andrew Humphreys, Dale Strang, Charlotte Workman et al March 2024. Andrew and his…

Haehaenga Stream (2nd tributary) v3a2III*

30m | 7 hrs | Public Access
Te Aroha, Kaimai Ranges

The Slide Hustle v1a3II***

No mandatory absiels – a slide-fest! 6hrs round trip (2hr/2.5hr/1.5hr) Public land This canyon is all about the slides. FOURTEEN of them in total, up to 16m long, plus the option to climb back up and lap a sweet section of five slides. Three start sliding bliss on Mt Ruapehu. First descent, James Judd, Sacha…

KiwiCanyons needs volunteers..

17m (2×40) | 6hrs | Public Access
Haast Pass (insert the area name here)

Paste the canyon’s character summary here.

Lake Mavis Canyon v4a2IV*

45m|13hr|Public Access
Edwards Valley, Arthurs Pass

Steep alpine canyon, with lots of small to medium pitches.

Lagoon canyon v4a2IV*

Public access
Steep, low volume, alpine canyon, Gorge walk finish
Waimakariri Valley

Lagoon Saddle Canyon v4a2III*

Highest drop 47m Public access 6hrs This canyon is a rewarding day out with some great abseils in a straightforward multi-pitch canyon. The canyon anchors are bolts with a few naturally rigged. The upper canyon starts with two abseils back to back. There are plenty of escapes all the way down. The highlight is the…

Rakautara Stream

First descent by Canterbury Canyon SAR Team during a search operation. A handful of small absiels, some swims and little jumps in a relatively open streamway.

Rolleston River

First descent by West Coast Canyon SAR during a search operation, March 2021. Two absiels from bolt anchors, some sections of nice canyon and some sections of open riverbed scrambling SAR team leader Canyon ends at the confluence with the stream coming from Lake Florence. No futher information available at this time.

Florence Canyon

First descent by Canterbury CanyonSAR team during a search operation in March 2021 No further information available at this time.

Giant Gate Falls v5a5III**

Access up the true right, to a short but spectacular canyon on the edge of the Milford Track. A large catchment, very high rainfall an extremely deep canyon make this a very very serious proposition. Giants Gate Topo – quick notes Start @ 200m contour at mouth of canyon 5m DC on TR to shallow…

Powder Flask Canyon v5a3IV***

45m | 6.5-10.5hrs | Public access
Makarora Valley, Aspiring

Low water, beautiful rock & pools with lots of jumps. Exit via high flow Fish River.

Blue Creek v3a1II*

18m 2x30m | 4hrs Public access
Mt Owen, Kahurangi National Park

Mostly dry marble slot canyon. Very scenic!

Dickson River v3a4IV***

1x60m rope | 11hrs | Public access
Mikonui Valley, West Coast

One of the top canyons on the coast.

Fish River v4a5IV***

15m | 4.5-6hrs| Public access
Makarora Valley, Aspiring

“Wilson Creek on Steroids” Narrow, high flow, deep, committing, dangerous and beautiful.

Tuke River v5a6V**** (estimated)

Monster west coast canyon, only descendable in dry summers by an expert team.

Eagle’s Nest v4a3V***

35m (2x60m) | 14hrs | Public
Over 40 raps, continuous canyon, huge day!
Dart Valley, Otago

Holdsworth Creek v4a2IV*

50m | Long day | Public access
Tararua Range.

Long mountain day, with a short 5-pitch canyon section

Sawyer Stream v4a3II**

42m | 3hrs | Public access
Mt Cook, Canterbury

Short, steep and sustained set of waterfalls through a solid sculpted greywacke.

Melita Stream v5a4III**

Best approached by kayak across Lake Gunn, walking around is not recommended due to thick forest and swampy ground. Access on the TR. Lots of absiels in powerful flows. Extremely hard rock: serpentine and diorite, so if you’re taking a drill, (which you should) take plenty of spare drill bits and extra batteries!!! First descent…

Lewis Pass Area