32m
6-8hrs
25 Pitches
The pick of the bunch in Waiorongomai Valley. Low Flow (much more fun after a bit of rain!) Big, continuous waterfalls with the odd gold mining relic.
Bring plenty of webbing to replace natural anchors along the way….
Top section is accessed via the high level pack track, allow about 1:45-2hrs, or enter at the half way point by climbing to the top of Butlers Incline and following the tram line around to the bridge over Diamond Creek. This bridge can also be used as an easy exit point if your only doing the top half.
When you meet the main Waiorongomai river at the bottom of the canyon follow the rough track immediately over the river, crossing the river once more before joining a well formed track back to the lower level loop walk.
First full descent – Jake Crossby, Oli Polson, Paddy Polson, Pete Smith 12/12/2015
Thanks to Oli and Pete for the info and photos.
We did the whole canyon. We replaced a rusty mullion with a stainless ring. Some of the webbing probably needs replacing and some is in ok condition. There are many pitches with no anchors. The first pitch has a bolted anchor about 2m below the track which we rappeled to, I wouldn’t try climb down to the anchor. There is one other pitch with a bolted anchor about half way down but one of the nuts has come off and needs replacing.
The canyon was all rappels with one slide.
Great day out
We only did the top section down to the bridge. Anchors need replacing, especially where webbing has been used, and there are some pitches with no anchors