3x60m | At least 2 days | Public Access
- 3-4hrs to Kiwi Flat Hut
- 3.5-6hrs to access Upper section
- 8-13hr descent of Upper, Middle, Lower sections
- 30 mins return to Kiwi Flat Hut.
Possibly the most famous canyon in New Zealand.
Whirling Water is in the Waitaha Valley, on the West Coast of the South Island.
After 3 successive seasons of exploration, the first full descent of this incredible canyon was completed in March 2024.
Thanks to Richard Bramley, Leo Tregret, and Sid Tinney for the photos, information and topos.
As the grade suggests, this is a very technical and very high-flow canyon, suitable only for expert canyoners.
This Instagram reel by Andrew Humphreys @v7andrew reached more than 2.9 million accounts as of June 2024, with 3.4 million views.
First Full Descent 20/3/24
“Best canyon I’ve ever been in; hands down one of the best quality canyons I’ve ever laid eyes on.” – Andrew Humphreys
Richard Bramley, Leo Garnache, Reto Bubendorf, Troy Watson, Andrew Humphreys, Adrien Paris, Leo Tregret, with JV on the Rim
Lower Section FD Jan 2021
Richard Bramley, Justin Venables, Keith Riley, Phil Palzer
Middle Section FD Feb 2023
Pete Choate, Sid Tinney, Jason Bilsborow, Charlotte Mason, Leo Tregret
Upper Section FD March 2024
Leo Garnache, Reto Bubendorf, Madie Garnache, Leo Tregret
