Dore Pass Canyon
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| | Difficulty:4B (v4a2 V) Raps:6, max ↨98ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger Watercraft:Yes Rock type:Diorite | |||
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| Condition Reports: | ||||
| Best season: | ||||
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-44.9330, 167.9438
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Waterflow
Introduction[edit]
A beautiful deep slot in carved diorite. Low flow but great views and fun pitches.
Approach[edit]
Car/Boat[edit]
There are multiple water taxi services across Lake Te Anau. As this canyon is by the Milford track you may be able to take the scheduled service (although these are not always at practical times), or arrange a charter.
At the time of writing a charter taxi with Fiordland Outdoors cost $232 each for 6 people, for drop off and pick up. At scheduled times it may be cheaper. RealNZ also operates a water taxi. Boats usually leave from Te Anau Downs, 30min from Te Anau town. There is parking here.
To avoid a boat entry you could alternatively access the canyon via Dore Pass from the Te Anau Milford Highway. This would involve a ~9km long approach with ~1250m elevation gain and a similar distance and elevation gain on the return. It’s your choice.
Foot[edit]
Follow the Glade Burn river flats to the start of the Dore Pass track. Follow the track to the 500m contour. Traverse South through the bush towards the creek, crossing some small side creeks. When above the main creek at about 470m head down the slope. It‘s very steep but with careful route finding should be possible without a rope.
Descent[edit]
Refer to File:Dore Pass Topo.pdf
In places the canyon is very narrow, and most pitches are in the flow. The anchor for R6 is mostly hanging, with only a small ledge.
Exit[edit]
Red tape[edit]
You’re not allowed to camp within 500m of the Milford track, and the water taxis may check where you’re planning to stay if getting picked up the next day. Near the hillside at the end of the canyon is outside this range.