20m
Public Access
3hrs
A sizeable walk, a lot of boulder bashing, and 1 waterfall. There are better alternatives in the area.
Tag: Arthurs Pass
Edwards River v3a4IV***
42m (rebelay allows 30m pitch)
Public access
8hr30min
6 pitches down a main river gorge with high flows, big jumps and challenging swims.
Twin Creek v5a2III***
35m/40m/70m (2x60m)
3-6hrs
Public access
A long alpine canyon (3 sections), with good access and great views accross to Mt Rolleston.
Temple Col Canyon v4a2III*
50m
4h45min
Public access
Steep and inescapable after the first drop. Some very beautiful waterfalls, very sheer and steep rock walls and views to Mt Rolleston.
Halpin Creek v4a2III*
75m
8hr30min
Public access
Halpin Creek is a steep alpine descent. Its scenic approach and descent has impressive views of the peaks and valleys of Arthur’s Pass. The finale is a long, exposed pitch with some sharp rock near the top requiring care — another adventure right off the highway.
Bealey’s Black Canyon v3a2III*
35m
Public access
5hrs
Bealey River is a steep alpine descent. Its scenic approach has great views of the peaks and valleys of Arthur’s Pass.Anchors are mostly bolted. The rock is fractured and loose in parts as the area is subject to multiple large avalanches in winter off the side of Mt Rolleston. Leave any descent to later in the season to let the avalanche debris melt.
Little Jordan Stream
Waterfall tramping, appears to be a few drops and a short gorge, but quite a way from the road. Download the research info sheet Little Jordan Stream
Rough Creek v4a2III**
65m (2x70m)
7hrs45min
Public access
Rough Creek is a steep, vertical alpine descent. Its quick access off the avalanche peak track makes this a classic Arthur’s Pass canyon. The canyon features a series of committing and long near back to back pitches with around 350m of descent in half a kilometre.
Pegleg Creek v4a3III*
Highest drop 47m Public access 8.5hrs Pegleg Creek is a big day in a semi-remote alpine canyon. It is mostly bolted but be prepared with natural anchor rigging materials. The upper canyon starts with open waterfalls with easy escapes before giving way more to enclosed steep walls. On the way down the valley there are…
Bridal Veil Creek v4a2II*
The upper canyon was descended in March 2019 by Jonathan Carr et Al. Photos and comments on Facebook; The lower canyon is fully described in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.
Sudden Valley / Barrier Falls
Unknown Absiel height. Potential to be quite large (50-60m or greater) Probably 5-6hrs round trip. Public access Significant volume. Download research sheet for Sudden Valley Stream
Upper Otira River
Heard accounts that DOC staff used to run a few trips through the short gorge of the Upper Otira River. Walk up the Otira Valley track for half an hour or so, the drop into the river. Probably get out by Pegleg Flat. Appears that much of the gorge can be seen from the State…