Canyoning in the Auckland region (and useful info)

The current playground for canyoning in the region is the Waitakere Ranges, a regional park west of Auckland. Like elsewhere in New Zealand this sport is a recent development, dating back less than two years in the region. As a result much remains to be explored and equipped, both in the Waitakere Ranges and elsewhere in the region. In particular it is thought that the Waitakere Ranges still have big potential for would-be explorers in this field. The major difficulty is with access, which is either lacking altogether, or which involves long walks on often steep and muddy tracks.

Essentially two canyons have been equipped to a decent standard: Blue Canyon near Karekare, and Glen Esk Stream above Piha. Other places are visited from time to time, but are not fully or permanently equipped.

The Waitakere Ranges are a rugged, uplifted block of rocks of volcanic origin, thickly covered in bush and forest. They rise directly above the Auckland region and out of the Tasman sea to 474 m (1555 ft). As a result the canyons are steep, with plenty of waterfalls, many of which reach 30 m (100 ft), and some of them more. However they are seldom enclosed in gorges. On the contrary excellent views over the sea or the forest can be enjoyed from many points during a descent. The rocks present many spectacular formations. The native forest, with its palms, tree ferns and many magnificient trees and shrubs, gives to canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges a very distinctive and definitely tropical character. The streams, although small, usually carry water all year round.

The canyons currently equipped in the Waitakere Ranges offer much enjoyment to their visitors, thanks to many pools, jumps, slides, and abseils. The degree of difficulty is generally moderate. The best season is between October and May, although the mild temperatures of the Auckland region allows year-round use.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Location:	Waitakere Ranges, west of Auckland - Map
Travel time:	less than 1 hour from downtown Auckland
To get there:	by road to Piha, Karekare, and other places in the Ranges
Public transport:	By bus to Huia only, from Titirangi.
Shuttle (private)	Piha Surf Shuttle (Peter Gillespie) Phone: 00 64 9 626 7641 Mobile: 025 227 4000 Email: peter_mg@xtra.co.nz
Further information:	Arataki Visitor Centre Scenic Drive, Waitakere Ranges. Phone: -- 64 9 303 1530, Fax: -- 64 9 817 5656. Open daily from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (extended hours in summer).
	Department of Conservation Visitor Centre Ferry Building, Quay Street, Auckland Phone: -- 64 9 379 6476, Fax -- 64 9 379 3609
	Auckland City Visitor Centre PO Box 7048 Wellesley Street Auckland, New Zealand Phone -- 64 9 307 7999, Fax -- 64 9 366 6893
	See also Natureandco's Travel Helpdesk
	About Auckland Regional Parks
Safety:	Mountain Safety - Outdoor Safety
Specialised operators:	Awol Adventures Phone: -- 64 9 630 7100, Fax: -- 64 9 623 0505 Email: info@awoladventures.co.nz
	Canyonz Phone/Fax: -- 64 9 534 1468, Email: canyonz@xtra.co.nz

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Rock type:	Volcanic origin, conglomerates and breccias mainly. Very abrasive. Protections on harnesses are highly recommended. Great care should be taken when handling ropes.
Rope:	60 m (200') recommended
Harness:	with suitable protections highly recommended
Wetsuit:	A top may be appreciated, in the longer canyons especially
Shoes:	light hiking shoes or similar, with neoprene socks if desired for greater warmth
Miscellenea	Helmet, locking carabiners, descending device, pieces of rope or tape for anchors. Any level of permanent equipment in Blue Canyon and Cowan only.
Warning: this information is supplied for convenience only. Please refer to the above sources for detailed information and current conditions. No outdoor activity should be undertaken unless suitably experienced, or with a qualified guide or licenced professional operator.