Canyoning

What is it

Canyoning is the sport of following a watercourse (wet or dry) by walking, climbing, jumping, sliding, swimming and abseiling. True 'Canyons' have steep walls that are taller than the canyon is wide, but so long as it has some sort of technical challenge you are canyoning.

You usually go canyoning looking like a scuba diver about to go rock climbing, with harness, helmet, ropes and wetsuit.

Canyoning shares many water skills with white water kayaking and many rope skills with mountaineering or rock climbing.

What MUAC does.

MUAC doesn't offer any official Canyoning trips at this stage, but there are several members who do run unofficial trips from time to time.

Local Opportunities

Right in the Manawatu Gorge is 'Slippery Eel' Canyon. It is located on the North Bank of the river and requires swimming the Manawatu then climbing a steep scrubby bank to reach its 5 rappels and fun down climbing.

Mangaharakeikei Canyon is located in Tokomaru. It has 8 raps, with the first two descending a 105m waterfall. Only 18 minutes drive from Massey.

Chamberlain Creek. A classic Tararua Canyon adventure. Taking about 4 hours to reach the head of the Canyon and 10 hours to descend the 6 rappels, this is usually a weekend canyon. There's also a 6 hour gorge float/walk out again.

Tararuas and Ruahines. LOTS of potential canyons to be descended, many are awaiting thier first visit from a human.

Other Opportunities

There are several companies that run guided canyoning trips. There are some neat canyons up near Auckland and untold amounts of world class canyons in Fiordland, South Island.

Overseas the sport is very popular, so if you come from America or Europe, chances are you live close to some great canyoning locations!