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…
Category: 3 Star Canyons
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.
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.
Eagle’s Nest v4a3V***
35m (2x60m) | 14hrs | Public
Over 40 raps, continuous canyon, huge day!
Dart Valley, Otago
Big 60 Canyon v5a4III***
55m | 7hrs | Helicopter to Forbes Hut
Another 3 start gem in the Hunter Valley, Otago
East Sabine Awe-Chasm v4a5IV***
15m | 12hrs (3hrs in canyon)
Public access
Nelson Lakes
Diedrichs Creek v4a4IV***
15m (1x60m) | 9hrs | Public Access
Hokitika Valley, West Coast.
High flow jump, swim and scrambling canyon with 5 absiels
Imp Grotto v4a3II***
40m (2x45m)
2.5 hrs
Public access
Imp Grotto is a very short, but spectacular canyon, with a little bit of everything. The access is quick and easy, providing excellent rewards for minimal effort.
Wilson Creek v4a5IV***
17m (2x40m) | 4-8 hrs | Public access
Haast Pass, Aspiring NP
Very deep schist slot canyon with many beautiful turquoise pools and significant flow. A serious undertaking in anything but very low water conditions.
Mathers Creek v4a4III***
28m
6-7hrs
Public access
Plenty of variety: high jumps, low technical jumps, perfect slides, back to back absiels and beautiful narrows.
Cross Creek v3a2II***
22m (2x25m) | 1-4 hrs | Public Access.
One of the most fun canyons in NZ. Beautiful slides, jumps and rappels in very cold water.