Category: 1 Star Canyons

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

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…

Limestone Creek v1a1I*

Canyon Hiking. No ropes, wetsuits or specialist gear Public access 1hr Non-technical Limestone slot canyon hike. A short and beautiful introduction to canyon environments, for anyone with basic fitness and some agility. Download CanyonTopo for Limestone Creek, Ruahines

Atiwhakatu Gorge v1a3II*

No ropework Public access 2-3hrs A short, non-technical gorge trip. An excellent introduction to Gorge travel. Download Canyontopo for Atiwhakatu Gorge, Tararua FP

Okahu Stream, v4a3III*

Highest drop 50m Public access 5-6hrs One huge 100m waterfall broken into 2 sections, with some small jumps and stream walking. Download topo for Okahu Stream, Kaitaia

Wentworth River v4a2I*

Highest drop 40m 3-6hrs dependant on route. Public access A couple of beautiful and very easy to access waterfalls. Suitable for experienced absiellers who want to try a little canyoning. Thanks to Shannan Fraser A full description can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Phillips Stream v3a2IV*

Highest drop 25m 10hrs Public Access Information courtesy of Hayden Richards: More of a rough off track walk than a true canyoning trip, Phillips stream requires a lot of access for not much canyoning. However, it would be worthwhile for trampers seeking a canyon without too much technical challenge or commitment. Download CanyonTopo for Phillips…

Barefoot Burn v4a2III*

Highest drop 45m Public access 8hrs Medium flow canyon with beautiful steep, clean abseils. Steep sidewalls in most places. This canyon is fully featured in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook, available for purchase on this site. Guidebook updates: The Canyon has been partially bolted since the publication of the book. Download the latest Barefoot Burn CanyonTopo

Tutumangao Stream v4a2III*

Public Access 4-5hr round trip 45m **UPDATE OCTOBER 2022*** Unfortunately there has been significant storm damage to the canyon, with lots of trees down in the stream, which makes the trip not reccomended at present. Emma Stanley Original canyon notes There are rappels in the stream almost from the summit of Mt Te Aroha, however…

Whiskey Creek v5a2IV*

Highest drop 53m 8-9hrs Public Access Alpine canyon, with back to back drops, hanging re-belays and a huge free hanging pitch over Whiskey falls themselves. Download CanyonTopo for Whiskey Creek

Pukehinau Canyon v1a2I*

No Drops, swimming only 1hr Public Access Short, deep and beautiful limestone and conglomerate swim canyon. A full description can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Waipehi Canyon v3a2VI*

Highest Drop 26m via gully or 70-100m via main canyon 21hrs round trip (Done in two long days, with an overnight at Cattle Ridge Hut) Public Access A huge first pitch that can be avoided if desired. Waterfall tramping, lots of short drops, with some nice gorge sections. Boulder scrambling adventure canyon Download CanyonTopo for Waipehi…

12 Mile Stream

Highest drop ? 30mins – 2hrs Public access, however it is guided most days in summer by Canyon Explorers. These groups are large; to avoid bottlenecks we encourage you to contact the guide company to check when they will be out of the canyon. There are lots of fixed equipment in the canyon, belonging to…

Navigator Canyon v4a2III*

Highest drop 75m (60m + 20m with double bolt anchors high on TL) Public access 7hrs Steep mountain stream, with generally low flows and a very big waterfall! A full description can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook. Anchors need maintenance! As of March 2023: The big pitch was re-bolted as a 60m…

Number One Canyon v3a3IV*

Highest drop 26m Time 8hr30min Public Access Challenging navigation to a low volume canyon with a bit of everything, swims, jumps, slides, raps. This canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Upper Tutaekuri Gorge v1a3II*

No rappels Public access 4-5hrs Requires Car shuttle Float/Scramble/Walk canyon, with a couple of short jumps/slides. This canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.

Tauherenikau Lower Gorge v1a4III*

Intermediate Tubing/Floating (no ropes) 5-7hrs round trip Public Access Hike in from Marchant Rd to Smith Creek Shelter, then down to the Bucks Rd end Assess the flows at the Tauherenikau Flow Gauge I haven’t been down it yet, so refer to a full route description in; “Tararua Adventure Guide” by Jonathon Kennett

Otaki Middle Gorge v1a4VI*

No ropework, Difficult Tubing/float trip, 2 day round trip Public access Assess the flows using the Otaki river monitoring site. KiwiCanyons CanyonTopo coming soon, but in the mean time, refer to a full route description in; “Tararua Adventure Guide” by Jonathon Kennett

Hutt Lower Gorge v1a4III*

No ropes, Difficult Tubing/Float trip 4-8hrs Public access “Hutt River at Birchville” Flow Gauge readings A good level is for the ‘stage’ to be between 1000m and 1500m See the Information on http://rivers.org.nz/nz/wellington/hutt/hutt-gorge but note that the flow range here is in relation to the Te Marua gauge, which is upstream of the Birchville gauge. I…