15m max drop (2x 30m) 3h30h total duration 1h/1h30/1h approach/descent/return Public land A short canyon with a particularly impressive pitch. Mostly low angle in a bedrock gorge with beautiful blue pools. First descent: Amy Burney, Ben Fletcher, Christian Miller, and Lulu Jordan – November 2025. Thanks to Christian for the topo and images.
Tag: Canterbury
Fawn Falls v4a3II**
25m max drop (1x60m rope) 3h15m total (1h/1h30/45m approach/descent/return) Public access A short and fun canyon with some good pitches and jumps. A good adventure, particularly given the reasonably fast approach. First descent Christian Miller, Amy Burney, Conor Handley, Ben Fletcher May 2025. Images courtesy Christian Miller. Topo by Amy, Ben, Conor, and Christian.
Arch-duchess canyon v4a3IV*
30m (2x40m) | 11hrs | Public Access | Lewis Pass area
A long walk in to a beautiful arch absiel.
Parsons Creek v4a2IV**
60m (3x60m) 5hrs Heli access. Mt Cook, Canterbury
Lagoon canyon v4a2IV*
Public access
Steep, low volume, alpine canyon, Gorge walk finish
Waimakariri Valley
Lagoon Saddle Canyon v4a2III*
Highest drop 47m Public access 6hrs This canyon is a rewarding day out with some great abseils in a straightforward multi-pitch canyon. The canyon anchors are bolts with a few naturally rigged. The upper canyon starts with two abseils back to back. There are plenty of escapes all the way down. The highlight is the…
Hack Canyon v4a2III*
35m | 5hrs | Public Access
Some great pitches in the flow, of a neat canyon.
Lewis Pass Area
Rawle/Raules Creek v4a2II
30m | 7hrs | Public access
More than 25 small waterfalls, in a very low flow gully
Mt Peel Area/Rangitata Valley