Lake Face Canyon
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| | Difficulty:4B I (v4a2 III) Raps:10, max ↨131ft
Red Tape:Closed to entry Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 9 Feb 2026
"What a fun little canyon. Simple approach. Back to back features. Great view.. I think the approach takes you a little higher than needed. I think |
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| Best season: | jan-mar (avg for this region)
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-44.9210, 168.4296
-44.9197, 168.4247
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Introduction[edit]
Short, simple, fun half day canyon near Queenstown. 1 star in the French grading system.
Access to this canyon is likely restricted because it’s on private land. While a walking track easement exists on the river right to access DOC-managed protected public land above, it doesn’t extend to the canyon.
Approach[edit]
- Follow track (DOC easement to protected public land above private land) to approx 470m or 480m elevation
- At a star picket divert off the track, along a faint foot track, towards the canyon.
- Abseil entry is not required
Update: I think dropping in at 470m provides easy access direct to the technical section.
Descent[edit]
| Problem number | Type | Metres | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abseil | 5m | RL | Single bolt |
| Down climb | 2m | Rusty piston + maillon on river left wall but not needed. | ||
| 2 | Abseil | 8m | RL | Approach bolt for down climb to access single bolt anchor around corner. Lands on river left ledge above turbulent pool. |
| 3 | Abseil | 40m | RL | Approach bolt on ledge below P3 to access double bolt anchor (equalised with Dyneema cord). Pitch is mainly dry but you will engage with vertical flow towards the bottom. |
| 4 | Abseil | 5m | RR | Single bolt anchor. Be carful of sharp edge. |
| 5 | Abseil | 15m | RL | Single bolt. Avoid funnelling water by bridging over water and swinging TL near drop off. Rock thread anchor (Dyneema cord + ring) mid way at drop off provides optional rebelay anchor. |
| 6 | Abseil | 5m | RL | Single bolt. |
| 7 | Abseil | 5m | RL | Bolted chain-set. |
Exit[edit]
- After the last abseil, exit river right via track back to carpark.