Author: Dan Clearwater

Mathews Stream v6a4V**

45m (2×50)
14hrs
Public Access

Very long, steep, committing mountain stream with some nice narrows. A significant undertaking.

Narrow Spur

Unsure precisely which stream, but locals have checked it out and say there’s nothign interesting. No idea how high they entered.

End Peak – East Stream

Apparently explored by locals, who reckon there were no features of interest. No idea how high they got in.

Deep Creek v1a1I

0m
1hr
Public access

Short scramble and wade, worth a wee look if you are in the area with a little spare time.

Ore Stream v4a5IV***

31m (2x60m)
5-6hr
Public access

One of the highest flow canyons in the Haast pass area. Steep, rough, technical, dangerous and beautiful.

Tri Falls Canyon v4a2III*

Highest drop 40m
5-6hrs
Public Access

Descent of a more open tributary of Woolshed Creek, with some nice raps, jumps and slides

Sylvia Falls v3a3I*

Highest drop  17m
1hr round trip
Public access

Very short, mostly horizontal gorge with a very beautiful final waterfall.

Three Fellahs Canyon v4a2III*

Highest drop 40m
Public access
6hrs

Generally open series of mid height abseils high in the canyon. Scrambly tramping in the lower section, then exit out lower Woolshed Creek.

Sharplin Falls v3a3III*

25m
3.5-4.5hrs
Public access

Interesting route finding through a boulder choked gorge. One short beautiful narrows section. The lower part of the canyon has had the boardwalk removed after being destroyed by rocks. So now after the last waterfall you head down the stream to gain the track 2 minutes before the carpark. The canyon is extended a further pitch so it has 6 pitches and is well worth the visit.

Wilberhorse Canyon v5a3IV***

Required Rope:  1x110m and another 110m of rope. 
Private access, permission required (see topo)
8.5-12.5hrs

Woolshed Creek v3a3III**

15m
5hrs
Public access

A relatively benign sustained aquatic slot with a few nice short rappels and a couple of fun slides and jumps.

Holts Creek v4a4IV**

40m
11-12hrs

Holts Creek is a big day in a remote alpine canyon. It is bolted but come with natural anchor rigging materials. The upper canyon starts with pool drop waterfalls. The only escape is a scree mid-canyon before giving way to enclosed steep walls. On the way down make sure to look back up the canyon at the spectacular series of waterfalls.

Hydroslide canyon

2x30m ropes
6hrs
Public access
Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel Range

Sleeping Dog v4a2I

60m
Public access

Alternative entry to Sleeping God canyon. Has loose rock at the top and is not recommended.

Bonny Creek v4a2II*

53m
7.5hrs
Public access

Steep, low volume stream with about 10 rappels, a few jumps and a very scenic finish into the Burke Gorge. Unfortunately a bit slippery, which detracts a little from the descent.

Fyffe Gorge v2a3III*

40m (optional, can walk around)
6-7hrs
Public access

Challenging scramble up a deep limestone gorge to a swim up and explore a short but spectacular marble slot canyon. Options for canyoning short canyon sections on the descent, but all can be walked around. 

Kaumira Canyon v3a3II**

20m | 3hrs |Public access

One of the classic beginner canyons of the Canterbury region. Some nice short/medium pitches, big pools and jumps.

Purple Creek v3a3IV*

20m
9-10hrs
Public Access

Wilderness adventure canyon, medium gradient, lots of fun scrambling and down climbing. Normally done with a base camp in the Lower Landsborough Valley.

Birch Creek v4a4IV**

17m
11-12hrs
Public access

Wilderness adventure canyon, medium gradient, with a little bit of everything. Normally done with a base camp in the Lower Landsborough Valley.

Mangaturuturu Canyon v3a2I*

30m
3hrs
Public access

Shallow, low angled canyon with plenty of escapes. Short, sweet and great for beginners.

Brumms Creek v4a3III*

35m
4hrs20min
Private land on the access route: permission required.

‘U’ Shaped fault line canyon with plenty of short to moderate rappels.

Raven Canyon v5a2IV**

110m (3x60m)
8.5hrs
Public access

An adventure canyon; multiple rappels, handlines and downclimbs often back to back. Relatively open, steep stream.

Tui Canyon v3a2I*

17m
1-2hrs
Public access

Short and sweet, with easy access and low flow: this is probably the most descended canyon within range of Christchurch!

Waterfall Creek v4a4III**

30m
6-8hrs
Public access: Courtesy call to guiding company requested.

More open, granite slab canyon, with lots of technical downclimbing and some excellent slides up to 17m.

Red Granite Creek v4a4III***

40m
7hrs
Public access.

A fantastic, open granite canyon with big waterfalls and big pools. Jumps galore into west coast coca-cola coloured pools. 

Andrews Stream v2a2I*

10m
20mins
Public access.

Moderate flows, short but sweet. Suitable for experienced canyoners to introduce beginners to the sport.

Green Gully Creek v4a3III**

2x60m
A whole day, including 4WD approach
Private land: permission required

Beautiful 4WD approach, a thick scrub bash approach and a great, consistent canyon. Lots of medium jumps and slide and good absiels.

Goldilocks Creek v3a2II*

28m
3.5hrs
Public access

Great introduction to vertical canyoning – low water flow, user friendly features and anchors, and can exit almost anywhere.

Banks Creek v1a3I*

No absiels
Public access

Nice lower gorge and some jumps, worth climbing up after a trip to Devils Creek.

Johnson Creek v1a3I

Stream walking, with some jump potential if you scramble up the gorge sides.

Middle Wakamarina v1a4I*

Float trip
Public access

Big jumps (from the rim) and long swims. Able to combine it with several of the other canyons/gorges in the area.

Devils Creek v3a2II*

25m
4hrs
Public access

Varied and scenic waterway with a handful of nice features, separated by plenty of walking.

Juicy Falls Canyon v4a3IV*

67m
9h30
Public access

Medium flow canyon with beautiful steep, clean abseils. Steep sidewalls in most places. Overall a good, challenging vertical canyon.