Waihaha

Canyoning

V3A5III***

Lower Waihaha first ascent?

Me, Kieran, Cam, Damian

Didn't really know what we were getting in for, but we took some tubes and ropes and went for an explore.

The first little section way open streamway with slotty little channels and a little jump. It then narrowed into a slot canyon which was consistant for about 700m with some fun little rapids before it opened up with a stream in the left as an escape route.

The next section narrowed again for around 1km with increasingly technical rapids. Opened again breifly for another escape on the left and then narrowed for another 1km. Again, increasingly technical rapids, and sections where the river went under huge rock pile. One small rap into an almost cave and then on to the final waterfall (Tieke Falls) with a 25m rap.

Absolutely stunning trip with a series of consistent slot canyons and great tubing interspersed with small jumps. Best canyon trip so far.