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Missioning around Timaru
Some people will say nasty things about this fair town. Whatever they say you can’t deny that there is a lot to do around South Canterbury. Heres a quick break down:
RockBluestone Wall
-Bouldering. Located down the Benvenue Cliffs. Head down to the bay taking the second right. Drive to the end by the tennis stadium. Across the bridge, turn left and you will see the wall. Small holds but traversing using the top is a good way to get a pump going.
Hanging Rock
- Sport Climbing. About 30mins out of Timaru. Check your favourite guidebook for directions. All the commercial classics have been rebolted by Aoraki with stainless steel. A great spot to be on a sunny day.
Spur Road
- Trad. 15mins from Timaru + another 5 for the walk. Check the guidebook. Heaps of short lower grade climbs, may need a bit of a clean. Good for a bit of after class climbing when daylight savings is in effect
Mt Horrible
Trad. 30mins from Timaru. Access is via farmland, check the book (yes, again) or ask for directions. Like Spur Road another basalt crag. Nice lines and a bit higher than Spur. The Alpine Club has recently clean 5 more routes here.
Elephant Rocks
Limestone Bouldering. Like Castle Hill but closer to home. About an hour away inland from Oamaru. If your feeling muscly head to the wonderous roof of Hulk Hogan and test your strength. Watch the road!
Mt Somers
Trad and Sport. About and hour and half out of town, plus the walk in. Well worth it, the hut is a great place to be based. A huge array of routes, some will need some cleaning and check any bolts you find, some are pretty old!
TrampingMt Somers
About and hour and a half out of TImaru, Mt Somers has more than just the standard loop track. A lot of work has been done with a number of new alternatives. Check the rock bivvies for free accommodation and did someone mention hot pools?
Peel Forest
The Mount Peel track is but one of many at Peel Forest. Good to get away for a day, maybe do some trail running. A cycle out there, followed by a mission up Little Peel is apparently the way to go.
Kayakcontrtibuted by Mr. Antz Longman
http://www.eye4adventure.blogspot.com/
Rangitata Klondyke Run
Grade 2+
Put In - Above or below the Klondyke itself, access via Rangitata Rafts take out road.
Take Out- Either at Peel Forest OPC river base, or keep going down to the bridge.
Time - about 2 hours
Character - Cold water wave trains, but generally always flowing don't bother below 40cumecs gets very scratchy.
Rangitata Gorge
Grade 4 maybe 4+
Put In - Follow the road towards Mesopotamia, when the road re-unites with the river look for a gate on the river side of the road. Drive down to the river.
Take Out - Same as put in for the Klondyke Section
Character - Slowly builds up to the "infamous" rooster tail G4 and the Pinch G4, many carnage stories have been passed around the Outdoor Rec whanau. It's possible to paddle/walk up from the take out & do laps of Roosters & The pinch (cuts out the shuttle).
Orari
Grade 2+
Put in - Follow signs to orari river gorge from Geraldine, access is via farm roads (shut any gates you open). You'll reach a small parking bay on the right after a couple of fords (this is the take out). Carry on up the road about 5km to a big grassy paddock, park by the bridge and walk upstream through the paddocks till you find the track/road down to the river.
Takeout- you passed it on the way.
Character - a fun wee gorge that has a couple of nice waves/holes at the right flows. (13-15cumecs is rumoured to be good). Very scratchy below 5 cumecs. Andrew Stream near the put in has a small drop for those keen to practise their boofs or free wheels..... after crossing the bridge from the put in you can drop straight down the hill towards the Orari (Andrews stream River Left) then portage your way around the dodgy cliff to the pool above the drop. (the drop has been known to catch a bit of wood (always scout properly).
Other secret gems to ask around about:
Mozza & Logie are full of info (which they'll probably share if they think your up to it!) Waihao Gorge, Pareroa Gorge, Opihi Gorge, there's a water fall near Geraldine too maybe 5m? Tekapo Releases are advertised on rivers.org.nz and are worth the drive for a fun day playing or working slalom technique.
Then there's always the Surf. |
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