A fantastic canyon – but one that needs to be re-developed. Please read the whole post before considering a trip here.
***WARNING****
A large event (most likely a huge avalanche in the winter of 2024) has stripped all the vegetation from the bedrock, and certainly compromised some, if not all, the anchors.
The next descent will need to be treated like a first descent
With the avalanche prone terrain above and evidence of previous avalanche events – this may be a canyon that gets re-rigged using rock thread anchors alone – https://overtheedgerescue.com/canyoning/rock-thread-vthread-testing-2021/
The info below is included to help teams re-establish this canyon – just remember that it is completely unreliable until proven otherwise.
Original information
50m max drop (2x 60m ropes)
9-10hrs total: 2hr + 1h15 / 4-5hr / 2hr (Approach/Descent/Return)
Public Access
Long and scenic, with some big pitches. In some places open and sunny, in others narrow and dark. Well worth the long walk in.
The hanging valley above is rumoured to be the last place that kākāpō were found in the wild in mainland NZ.
First descent (lower section): Will Hamilton and Jona Schmutzer, 2024.
First descent (middle section): Patrick Timm, Alex Motyka, Conor Handley, Sach Knight, and Christian Miller, Jan 2025.
First descent (upper section): Edgar Fella, Ayla Merot, and Romaine Roussille, March 2025.
Thanks to Christian Miller for the topo and Patrick Timm for the images
** THE CANYON IS GREATLY ALTERED **
Details will be posted in the FB group, but the next team need to treat this a fresh first descent.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kiwicanyons.org/posts/26070891942545477/
Also keep an eye out for a lost keg & pack lid!
Another amazing canyon in the Tutoko valley. Great trip to combined with whio creek and stay up in the valley for a night.
Knowing there was more to be done further up we climbed a further hour fifteen straight up the TR. If you want to do the top I wouldn’t recommend going this way, It’s super steep and sketchy in several places, the TL should be easier. However on arrival at the top we found anchors in place! Most of the top has been done with threads. This canyon sees some water so take replacement if going. There are 5-6 drops up to 15m before the main drop that leads to the start of the described section. The main drop is 3 falls of 35/40/60ish. The 35 bolts will likely be damaged in high water, the other 2 should make it but ring hangers should be taken to replace the chain links that where used by the 1st D team.
The bottom section is the best part and well worth the walk!