3x60m | At least 2 days | Public Access
3-4hrs to Kiwi Flat Hut, then from the hut:
- 4-6hrs return for Lower Section
- 9-14hrs return for Middle & Lower Section
- 12h-19.5hrs return for Upper, Middle & Lower Section
Possibly the most famous canyon in New Zealand. Sustained technical difficulties, requiring individuals and teams to have excellent proficiency at a wide range of advanced canyoning techniques.
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
Comment on the grade:
The team initially graded Whirling Water as v5a6, thinking its rope work was likely easier than that of Gloomy Gorge (v6a6). However, shortly after completing the first descent of Whirling Water, team members descended Gloomy Gorge and reassessed their comparison. They noted that while Gloomy Gorge features more sustained rope work, Whirling Water includes similar technical challenges, such as difficult re-belays, technical multi point hand lines, aid climbing, and high vertical flow. As a result, the team decided to publish the grade of Whirling Water as v6a6 to better reflect its overall difficulty.
Whirling Water is undoubtedly the most impressive and challenging canyon I’ve ever descended.
Massive thanks to Richard Bramley for pointing out the way, and Toine Houtenbos, Darran Haines Patrick Timm and Lee Den Haan for being strong teammates last weekend. You guys are awesome!
With the whole region in very dry conditions, our trip on 7 Feb was probably the lowest water descent this canyon has yet received. Low for Whirling doesn’t mean low: there was still plenty of water needing respect and good technique, but not A6 at this level. More like A4 (or A5 for one or two features).
The downside to the low water was very slippery rock conditions. We guess that a dry and warm summer has promoted algae growth. The majority of the rock was quite slippery, which added spice and challenge anywhere you needed good feet to progress.
This canyon requires a strong team, with each individual proficient in many advanced techniques. It’s a super beautiful, intimidating and magnificent descent, but one that should be worked up to and trained for.
Do your prep and go get it!