Author: Dan Clearwater

Hodgekinson Creek v3a2II

Highest drop 15-35m depending on which tree anchor you access. Rappels are mostly just required to descend boulders that are not safe to down climb, so the number of rappels and their length depends on your down-climbing ability. Don’t set yourself short on rope!! 4-7hrs round trip, depending on access (4WD or MTB) and downclimbing…

Ohau Gorge (~v1a3)

Appears to be a short float trip in the Tararua’s.. Appears to be little in the way of rapids or technical sections, so probably just a3. More info on a DOC website; http://blog.doc.govt.nz/tag/ohau-gorge/

25 Mile Creek

This canyon is on private land. Much of the lower Rees valley is privately owned. The owners of Rees Valley Station are willing to consider requests for access to some of these canyons. Permission must be gained in advance for each and every visit. Farming operations may mean access will not be granted. Specific permission…

Big Devil Creek v4a5III

Waima Gorge

Download Research sheet for Waima Gorge Landowners are reluctant to grant access via the vehicle track to the north. (Long daytrip option) However, Andrew Watson and friends gained permission for a 3 day Gorge Tramping trip via Isolation Hut and Zoo Hut. Looks like a classic gorge float/scrambling/tramping trip, rather than a pure canyoning trip. A…

Camp Creek v3a2I

This canyon was fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook. However, a massive landslide sometime during the 2015 winter has completely obliterated the middle section of this canyon. The result is a huge, unstable looking rock pile, which can be seen from the road bridge. It is strongly reccomended NOT to attempt this canyon. …

Waterfall Creek

There is more information on this canyon available, but I’ve not had time to process it. This page is a ‘place holder’ designed to indicate the canyon has been descended. More info will be posted once I get round to it! Happy Canyoning! Chucky

Monkey Puzzle Gorge v2a4III*

Dasler Canyon v4a2II*

Sealey Tarns Canyon v4a1II*

Bridal Veil Creek v4a2II*

The upper canyon was descended in March 2019 by Jonathan Carr et Al. Photos and comments on Facebook; The lower canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Atuatumoe via .626 v4a1III*

50m
4hrs
Public access

Very low flow stream, 3 pitches to 50m, natural anchors.

Waikato Falls Gorge v3a4I*

A full description of this canyon can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Stonewall Canyon v4a3II*

23m max drop (1x50m minimum) 5hrs return ( 2.5-3hrs / 1hr / 1hr approach/descent/return) Mix of private and public land access First descent unknown: Dan Clearwater et al explored the canyon in 2013, finding some ancient ring bolts in the canyon. Topo by Dan Clearwater. Photos by Chris Tuffley and Dan Clearwater Guidbook updates The…

Pea Soup Creek v1a3I*

Jackson’s Canyon v4a3III*

Not Stoney Canyon v4a2III*

Curtis Creek v4a3III*

This canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook. This canyon is now almost fully bolted. You can download an updated Topo for Curtis Creek.

Blue River v4a5III*

Gangers Creek v3a2II*

Max pitch 27m (2x30m ropes) 1h30/3h30/30min (approach/descent/return) Public access Nicely sculpted shallow canyon, with low water volume and lots of short to medium rappels. First descent: Dave Vass, Alain Rohr, James Speirs 2008. The first descent party were attempting to do the 2nd descent of Cross Creek, but got a little lost and ended up…

Lower Burke River v1a4II*

This canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Civil Creek v3a3II*

20m | 4hrs | Public access
Small canyon with some nice waterfalls and sections of enclosed walls
Landsborough Valley, Westland

Clapcott Creek v3a2III*

20m | 5hrs | Public
Landsborough Valley, Westland

Pyke Creek v3a4III*

This is the Pyke Creek located in the upper Haast Valley, draining the Brewster Glacier, by the popular Brewster Hut track. Upper Pyke Creek There is a serious (and undescended) alpine canyon just below the glacier lakes: The water pours down glacially polished bedrock, through numerous drops, with hanging potholes. A quick look at google…

Crack Jump Creek

Ford Creek, TR branch

Ford Creek

The Trickle

Brae Creek

Cushat Creek

30m max drop Approach 2hrs. First descent: French Aotearoa Canyoning Expedition 15 Feb 2013

Joe’s Creek

Harris Creek

Brady Creek v4a3III*

40m | 6-7hrs | Public access
Lots of rappelling, but a slip up high has filled the pools in.
Makarora Valley, Otago

Leaven Stream v3a3III*

Stewarts Creek v4a5IV***

29m | 10-12hrs | Public access
Makarora, Otago

A canyoning marathon of jumps, downclimbs and rappels.

Jubilee Creek v4a2III*

Highest drop 50m Public access 5hrs Steep, Low flow canyon, with alternating enclosed and open sections. There is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS foot entrapment on R11 between the canyon wall and a trapped log. It is difficult to see from above and very difficult to avoid, so until the log is gone, it is better to exit…

Muir Creek v4a3III**

Mt Rowe Canyon v3a1III*

Highest drop 25m Public access 7hrs Steep, semi open stream in bush. Worthwhile as an option when there is too much water for other Kauaeranga Valley Canyons Download CanyonTopo for Mt Rowe Canyon

Ruamahanga Lower Gorge v1a4III*

No absiels, Float trip (tyre tubes requried) 5hrs Public Access Medium volume float trip through a beautiful gorge. Download beta sheet for Lower Ruamahanga Gorge

Torrent River v3a4III*

Highest drop 14m Public access, but courtesy call to Abel Tasman Canyons guiding company requested. Ph 0800 86 34 72 The guides will have the latest info on waterflows, anchor conditions and any new hazards. A call helps avoid traffic jams, and helps to keep everyone happy whilst sharing this wonderful place. 5hrs Water taxi access…