Author: Dan Clearwater

Not really a canyon. 1-1.5hrs access up the Burke canyon. Following (if you can) the old track which runs on the true left side. It is been unmaintained for a very long time, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find/follow it. There was an old wooden bridge, half broken crossing Strachan Creek. Only a…

TR branch of Robinson

Nothing of interest to Canyoners

Lil’ arch canyon

A fun little scramble up without wetsuits: there’s apparently a little arch about the same elevation as the one in nearby cross creek.

Broderick Stream

Explored by locals, who found nothing of interest to canyoners

1809 creek

Nice canyon shape, but not enough water to be worth doing Locals who expored it…

Muddy Creek

Explored by locals, but nothing found of interest to canyoners

Templeton Creek

Apparently explored by locals: Nothing down low. Looks good up high but too far to be bothered walking up..

Sawmill Creek

Explored by locals, who found nothing of interest. No idea how high they explored though…

“Davis Flat” stream

Apparently locals have been for an explore up here, and found nothing of interest. No idea how high up the creek they explored though…

Unammed stream

Explored, but nothing of interest to canyoners according to locals.

Teil Creek

According to locals: A bit of a waterfall section up past the end bend. Not worth the hike.

Ithsmus Peak Canyons

There appear to be 3 canyons coming off Isthmus Pk and into Lake Wanaka – accessible only by boat. Have good shape, canyon exits similar to Camp ck and Waterfall Ck just to north. However the rosehip and bracken make the approaches too formidable many.

Minga River v2a3III**

4m
4hrs
Public access
Arthurs Pass

Float, swim, jump and hike in a nicely slotted river gorge. Only one compulsory ‘drop’.

Bealey Chasm v2a4I*

Public access

Blue pools, slides and jumps in among big rocks in this gorge. A PFD for the swims plus a short rope to aid downclimbing.

Pudding Hill Stream v4a4IV**

Public access
Steep alpine headwaters, bedrock main gorge, tough walk out!
10hrs round trip
Mt Hutt, Canterbury

Freds Creek v4a2II*

30m
Unknown duration
Private land: Permission Required
Lake Brunner, Westland

Lyell Peak Canyon

Alpine adventure canyoning with big drops.
Public access

Trovatore Canyon, v4a2III*

50m
5hrs
Public access
Lewis Pass

5 drops in an open, sunny alpine stream.

Hester Pinney Waterfall v3a4IV**

26m
8-10h
Public access

Highlights are the enchained potholes with technical jumping. A slightly longer approach to a long, varied and low-flow canyon with scenic views towards Mt Aspiring.

Chamberlain Creek v3a3VI**

15m max drop
2-3 days
Public access
Tararua Ranges..

The classic canyon of the Tararua Range! Awesome weekend adventure.

Boundary Creek

Some canyon features and lots of swimming. Worth more visits to figure out where the goods are.

Lake Wanaka, Aspiring

Bay Burn

Apparently its been checked out by locals, who say they found nothing of interest. No idea how high they started though. No photos available.

Estuary Burn

Apparently its been checked out by locals, who say they found nothing of interest. No idea how high they started though. No photos available.

Bells Creek

Apparently its been checked out by locals, who say they found nothing of interest. No idea how high they started though. No photos available.

Raspberry Creek

Apparently this has been done a fair few times, and regarded as ‘not bad, although a bit dirty’. The canyon is on Mt Aspiring station, so permission is required for access. Plenty of other better canyons in the area; this record is mostly for historical recording purposes.

Lodge Creek

Not an official name, just close to the ‘Lodge’ on the Topo map. Apparently its been checked out by locals, and it was apparently an ok canyon, but it got hit by a slip in the 90’s which ruined it. Who knows, it might have cleared out by now… Surrounded by private farmland, see WAMS website for…

Macpherson Creek

Apparently its been checked out by locals, who say they found nothing of interest. No idea how high they started though. No photos available. Surrounded by private farmland, see WAMS website for details.

Bent Burn

Apparently its been checked out by locals, who called it ‘blocky’ (ie, lots of big blocks in the river bed, not really a canyon). No idea how high they started though. Surrounded by private farmland. Check out the WAMS website to see the public walking access options. No photos available.