Long Drop Canyon v4a2II

Canyon name:	Long Drop
Grade:	v4a2II
General area:	Arthur’s Pass
Character:	An easily accessible pretty mossy bedrock canyon low flow, perfect for beginners. Best after heavy rain.
Start of the canyon (topomap link):	https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-42.939631,171.575832&z=14&pin=1
Carpark (google maps link):	https://goo.gl/maps/t6A6uGbaVycQHvRH8
Highest waterfall:	35m
Suggested gear:	2x 40m
Canyon dimensions:	500m vertical
Rock:	Greywacke
Anchors:	Natural anchors
Approach time:	2 hours
Descent time:	3 hours
Back to your car time:	5 minutes
Approach by car:	State Highway 73 to Arthur’s Pass and park by the Railway Station rest rooms. Walk to start of Mt Aicken track. [5 minutes]
Access:	Public access
Approach on foot:	Follow Mt Aicken track to the bushline, then sidle across to the first obvious gully.
Canyon descent description:	Short downclimb, then a series of 14 rappels, up to 35m on the 2nd last drop. Canyon quality improves, along with water flow as you descend. A beautiful view to the village from R4 with a couple of horizon line anchors. Quality bedrock throughout. Very low flow, so a good option after heavy rain and manageable. A great beginners intro to Arthurs Pass and using natural rigging en masse. A huge bonus of ending right beside the railway station, and back through the tunnel to the car in 5 minutes.
Committment/Escapes:	In parts it feels very canyon like, but escapes are possible, descent possible by abseiling down through the beech forest.
Other notes:	Nearest cafe and restaurant five minutes from the end of the canyon.
First descent:	James Abbott, Grant Prattley, Nola Collie, Aaron Dawson 2022 February 7