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…
Tag: Dart Valley
Eagles Nest – alternative start v4a3V***
The character is the same as the classic Eagles Nest. No added difficulties are encountered in this alternative entrance route. Anchors: 10mm ss wedge bolts and hangers and 5 mm dyneema with Tebylon half ring Longest abseil in this bit 35 m, but eagle’s nest is advised to take 2*60m rope First descent: Dutch Canyoning…
McBride Burn
Not really a canyon – descended by a Wanaka CanyonSAR team in February 2023 as part of a search and rescue operation for a missing hunter. Photos courtesy Patrick Timm
Margaret Burn v5a5III***
High volume, glacier fed and mostly underground… Dart Valley, Aspiring National Park.
Eagle’s Nest v4a3V***
35m (2x60m) | 14hrs | Public
Over 40 raps, continuous canyon, huge day!
Dart Valley, Otago
Captain Chaos v4a2III*
60m
Lowflow river with some cool (but not continous) canyon sections.
Dart Valley, Otago
Rockburn v4a7III*
10m (30m rope)
8hrs
Public access
Main river gorge, with extremely high water levels and numerous huge syphons. Only in condition at the end of a long dry summer.
Thigh Burn v4a2III*
60m
Whole day
Public access
Long, steep scrubby approach to a steep, low flow stream with an enclosed section at the end.
Major Mayhem Canyon v5a3IV***
95m (60+35 pitches)
5-14hrs
Public access
Big, exposed waterfalls in the upper section, with a relentless narrow slot canyon below. Lots of delicate logjams!
Bedford Stream v5a5VI***
Expedition sized canyon in the Dart Valley, Aspiring National Park