Highest drop 16m (2x20m ropes)
Public access
1-2hrs
This is a short sharp canyon that would be great on a hot summers day as there are some deep pools. The area could get quite busy in summer due to the scenic nature of the falls and the adjacent walking tracks so discretion is advised. It may be better done on a weekday or in an evening. There is a great pool at the bottom that is an excellent place to practice jumps
Topo by Shanan Fraser. Download the topo for Kaiate Falls
R1 pool is fairly hazardous now that the log has gone. Be very careful as there is almost no way to escape being washed over the R2 falls. I would suggest placing a chain and a seperate bolt and hangar on TL at the bottom of R1 for a temporary foot loop to exit the pool. Then a new R2 anchor station above that on TL.
R3 requires some work aswell. We searched for probably 3hrs over 2 nights for the bolt and then a suitable tree to rap off. Tried both TL and TR but couldnt find a line we were happy with. A combination of higher than normal flows, slippery rock, and heinously thick supplejack, or simply a lack of anchors made us think “todays not the day”.
The R4 anchor station looks to still be in good condition and protected from flood.
Obviously this spot has heaps of potiential if set up right!
It’s a nice trip, but some anchors must be added or renewed. The log in the bottom of R1 is gone, leading to a problematic manoeuver to reach the R2 bolt. As said in the previous report. We recommend putting a pitch on the left side to have a safety line between the two. The top of the chain pitch of R2 needs some tightening. We then desperately looked for the top anchor of the R3 but didn’t find it ( ever in the middle of the vegetation or had been taken away ). It probably needs to be fixed before anyone tries the R3.
The Big vertical Log at the top of R2 has gone meaning that there is nowhere to rig a safety line to approach the Rappel anchors. This needs to be protected from the top of the previous pitch by rappelling direct from R1 to R2 or setting a guided rappel or similar. I will likely place some new bolts for a safety line between R1 & R2 next time I am in there.
Updated main anchor stations. New 150mm/100 glue in bolts for all 3 anchor stations