4m
4hrs
Public access
Arthurs Pass
Float, swim, jump and hike in a nicely slotted river gorge. Only one compulsory ‘drop’.
Bealey Chasm v2a4I*
Public access
Blue pools, slides and jumps in among big rocks in this gorge. A PFD for the swims plus a short rope to aid downclimbing.
Lagoon canyon v4a2IV*
Public access
Steep, low volume, alpine canyon, Gorge walk finish
Waimakariri Valley
Graham Stream v3a2III*
30m (2x35m)
7-8hr
Public access
A steep, vertical alpine descent using mostly natural anchors makes this a classic Arthur’s Pass canyon.
Pudding Hill Stream v4a3IV**
Public access
Steep alpine headwaters, bedrock main gorge, tough walk out!
10hrs round trip
Mt Hutt, Canterbury
Freds Creek v4a2II*
30m
Unknown duration
Private land: Permission Required
Lake Brunner, Westland
Lyell Peak Canyon
Alpine adventure canyoning with big drops.
Public access
Trovatore Canyon, v4a2III*
50m
5hrs
Public access
Lewis Pass
5 drops in an open, sunny alpine stream.
East Sabine Awe-Chasm v4a5IV***
15m
12hrs (3hrs in canyon)
Public access
Nelson Lakes
Hester Pinney Waterfall v3a5IV**
26m
8-10h
Public access
Highlights are the enchained potholes with technical jumping. A slightly longer approach to a long, varied and low-flow canyon with scenic views towards Mt Aspiring.
Spray Creek v5a3IV*
100m (2x70m)
8h15m
Public access
The drawcard is two 100m+ waterfall sequences in a row. It has a good amount of water and gradient, and some great waterfalls.
The General v5a3VI****
One of the most committing, sustained and narrow canyons in NZ. 44 pitches, super solid dark schist, deep, narrow, sustained. Don’t forget the “Slot of Doom”, with a handline to access 3 pitches (one including a deviation) on a 45m drop. If it had jumps it might be a 5 star canyon…