As of August 2025, this canyon has not yet had a full descent Max drop 27m A long approach means that its likely to require 1 to 2 nights for the full round trip. Chauffeur Canyon is the name given by the first canyoning explorers, to a section of Te Tanae Rangiharakeke Stream in the…
Tag: Central North
Upper Waihohonu Canyon v2a5III*
2x30m | Full Day | Public access | Mt Ruapehu, Central North Island.
High water canyon with small abseils and committing gorges.
Makahikatoa Canyon v1a3II
Most of a day and lot of effort for a really beautiful but very short section of gorge. Mt Ruapehu, Central North Island
Slotatote Canyon v4a5V*
40m | 14hrs | Public access | Mt Ruapehu Central North island
A 7km slot with high flow and a few good pitches.
Huckatote Canyon v4a5III
30m | Full day | Public access
Mt Ruapehu,
A long slippery river walk, with high flows and some cool waterfall pitches.
The Contributary v4a1III*
2x50m 5hrs Public access
Murupara area, Central North Island
Te Punga Ngaro v4a2IV*
2x50m 9hrs (2/6/1 approach/descent/return)
Public access, Murupara area
Flop n Drop (lower) v1a3II*
No compulsory raps | 4hrs | public access
Just jumps and slides on Mt Ruapehu
The Slide Hustle v1a3II***
No mandatory absiels – a slide-fest! 6hrs round trip (2hr/2.5hr/1.5hr) Public land This canyon is all about the slides. FOURTEEN of them in total, up to 16m long, plus the option to climb back up and lap a sweet section of five slides. Three start sliding bliss on Mt Ruapehu. First descent, James Judd, Sacha…
Lower Tree Trunk Gorge v4a3II**
1x 40m rope | 35mins | Public access
Tongarirro River, Kaimanawa Range
Rap in to explore the end of this infamous kayaking gorge.
Tawhiuau v4a2IV**
80m
10-12hrs
Public access
700m of descent makes this one of the biggest trips in the North Island. A solid 3hr approach up a steep but well marked track and a “mini canyon ” (2 pitches) entry to the main river. Big waterfalls, Hanging re belays and wide expansive views.
Mangaturuturu Canyon v3a2I*
30m
3hrs
Public access
Shallow, low angled canyon with plenty of escapes. Short, sweet and great for beginners.
Waikoko Canyon v3a3I*
10m
2hrs
Public access
Short canyon section with some nice narrows and one good drop. Otherwise a pleasant stream walk.
Waikato Falls Gorge v3a4I*
A full description of this canyon can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.
Pureora Forest park Non-Canyons
Email detailing some streams that are only tramping trips, rather than canyoning Download info sheet for Pureora Forest Park Non Canyons
East of Navigator Canyon
Public access Drops upwards of 70m on Map Has been descended, but apparently is not really worth doing. Download info for East of Navigator Canyon, Owhango
Mangarua Stream
Report by Rowan Peck Mangarua Stream, 6th April 2013. Starts from the Waitawheta Tramway track at an obvious bridge, 5.8km or about 1.5 hrs walk from the Franklin Road end. To access from the top, head south from Daly’s Clearing Hut keeping the ridge (off track). Start point 37 30 7.13 / 175 42 56.14, Explored up…
Waitawheta Gorge
Public Access, Waitawheta Gorge, Kaimai Ranges. Volcanic rock, looks like a promising swim/jump/float trip. Track access. Download research sheet for Waitawheta Gorge
Pukehinau Canyon v1a2I*
No Drops, swimming only 1hr Public Access Short, deep and beautiful limestone and conglomerate swim canyon. A full description can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook.
Waiteariki Falls
Tapu to Ngati Hinerangi The local iwi have informed us that Wairere Falls and Waiteariki Falls are tapu (sacred) to them, and that the waterfalls’ pools in particular are places that should not be visited. Canyoners are asked to respect the wishes of iwi and refrain from descending either of these canyons.
Navigator Canyon v4a2III*
Highest drop 75m (60m + 20m with double bolt anchors high on TL) Public access 7hrs Steep mountain stream, with generally low flows and a very big waterfall! A full description can be found in the Canyoning in NZ guidebook. Anchors need maintenance! As of March 2023: The big pitch was re-bolted as a 60m…
Mangakino Stream
A tyre tube float trip apparently Public access. Download research sheet for Mangakino Stream
Upper Mangatepopo Stream
SH47, between National Park and Turangi, Western side of Mt Tongarirro. The land to the South East of SH47 is all Tongarirro National Park (open walking access). Observed the ‘Mangatepopo Falls’ (approx 30-40m??) and a reasonably enclosed looking stream whilst over flying the area. Suggest park one car at the SH 47 bridge, then drive…
Ruatahuna Canyon
Waterfall tramping expedition, 3 day trip A reasonably full day accross the Umukarikari range to Bivvy at the head of the Canyon. One day to descend canyon, multiple, tall, back to back waterfalls. One day to bushbash out.. Download research sheet Ruatahuna Canyon