26m
8-10h
Public access
A slightly longer approach to a long, varied and low-flow canyon with scenic views towards Mt Aspiring. Highlights are the enchained potholes with technical jumping.
This canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.
Guidebook update
There has been a large landslide from the TR in the “very narrow section”. It is relatively stable and passable, but requires care.
Water level was higher than in the guidebook photos but not substantial. Didn’t find the tree at R1 but used another. The first two tree anchors could be bolted if anyone wanted to bring in some gear. The nut at R4 was a rusty, could also use some bolts is someone was in the mood. Potholes were really fun, great to see a new canyon!
Biked the farm section and stayed overnight at junction flat.
Replaced the damaged R3 anchor. Unfortunately couldn’t remove the older damaged bolt, the nut was damaged and rounded and couldn’t get it off with our adjustable spanner. Would recommend that the next crew bring a few different spanner sizes and a hammer to try get it off and hammer in the bolt.
R4 trad piece still in situ, seems solid but getting pretty old. Up to you if you few comfortable using or not.
Otherwise no further obvious changes to canyon. Apart from the middle section we found it easier to ditch the map and use some creative teamwork to figure out the other features (natural anchors/meat anchors/technical jumps and downclimbs). A lot of fun jumps/slides but also a lot of underwater hazards that need scouting.
found navigation after leaving the track to the canyon entrance tricky and ended up entering the canyon higher then the normal get in.
the anchor at the the R3 abseil was damaged and due to our drill not playing the game it is a marginal (at best) anchor that needs to be repaired, next group will need a full bolting kit.