12 Mile Delta
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| | Raps:2, max ↨20ft
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| Condition Reports: | 12 Feb 2026
"Very fun way to break-up the drive from Glenorchy back to Queenstown. Romped through solo in about 45mins. |
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| Best season: | Nov-Mar
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-45.0684, 168.5372
-45.0675, 168.5422
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Weather forecast
Waterflow
Introduction
A fun featureful canyon just outside Queenstown. Very easy access, and can be run in under an hour.
Approach
Drive
Drive through the campsite, and park at the far west end beyond the camping area. (Marked on Google Maps as "Ithilien Camp" which is a location from Lord of the Rings). Don gear here.
If you encounter a commercial group at any stage on the approach or in the canyon, engage positively with the guides. If at all possible, consider delaying until they are finished.
Walk
- From the car park walk westwards, follow Bob's Cove Track to the bridge.
- Cross the bridge and almost immediately turn right and hike up the side of the creek (river-right). The trail is well-tracked and marked by orange tape on trees.
- Pass under one zip-line and keep heading up the trail. Once you reach the second zip-line, head down into the canyon.
Flow Check
There is a water level indicator in the pool under the bridge. It can't be seen from the bridge, but it's on the canyon wall just upstream of the bridge. To see the indicator, just before the bridge (East side, river left), scramble 5 metres or so uphill and look down into the pool river right. There are clear indicators on the height level. Form your own judgement.
Descent
Commercially equipped, so there's hardware a-plenty. The canyon can be done with no rope, but as always, checking the jumps first is a must.
There's a topo below, but just work it out. Note that the canyon can get somewhat aquatic in higher water - don't underestimate it.
Exit
Exit canyon left and follow trail up Bob's Cove trail and back to the car. Or exit right at the bridge to lap some jumps.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
There are a lot of videos on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=12+mile+delta+canyoning