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Hollyford / Monkey Creek to Falls Creek, V+ (P)

Wed, 2006-05-17 20:58 — jonathan
0
Hollyford
Info
Portage?: 
Yes
Class: 
V+
Level: 
Enough water to get down it
Gauge: 
Visual
Length: 
7km
Gradient: 
40m/km
Time: 
3-5 hours
Put in: 
Monkey Creek (off SH94 just below Homer Hut)
Take out: 
Falls Creek
Shuttle: 
7.5km
Maps: 
NZ Topo D41
Character: 
Very steep, tight and technical. A serious proposition
Hot tip: 
Whao, hooo, haaa, waaa!

Steep and gnarly best describes the upper run on the Hollyford. This one needs rain, and lots of it. It will only be possible when the Marion Creek section is far too high to contemplate. The gradient looks impressive, but be aware the first kilometre is flat before the river drops at over 50m/km!

Most of the action is well within the class V league. If you are not totally solid on this sort of water don't even bother getting your boat off the car. The portages are in the first third of the trip where the river moves away from the road. Scouting is necessary for much of the journey. It is possible to bash back to the road at any stage if conditions get too bad (or good!). The gradient eases just before Falls Creek, but at the flows necessary for this run the water stays pushy right to the Marion Creek swingbridge.

To get to the put-in; Monkey Creek flows into the gentle upper valley area just below Homer Hut. The creek is signposted on the bridge crossing it. Make your way down the creek to the river.

To get to the take-out; Falls Creek take-out is on SH94 1km west of the Hollyford Valley turnoff. Marion Creek swingbridge is 1km down the Hollyford from the turnoff.

Fill: 
89%
Credits: 
Graham Charles
No incidents reported.

Disclaimer

Canoeing and kayaking are activities with inherent risks. Whitewater NZ takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this guide, nor for any risks or dangers that canoeists or kayakers may encounter. Any users should fully research the current river conditions and ensure they are fully equipped and have the appropriate skills, before embarking on any river trip, per Whitewater NZ Code of Practice. While every effort is made to ensure that details are correct, it is possible that this information is no longer accurate. If you find discrepancies or errors, please let us know at guide@rivers.org.nz.