Sleeping God Canyon, is located in a remote and rugged region of the Coromandel peninsula. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and avid canyoneers on the North Island. It is one of the highest rated canyons for quality on the North Island. It’s technical rating is v4a3III which means there are some good sized rappels in flowing water. Canyoneering in Sleeping God Canyon requires careful planning and preparation due to its technical nature. It is crucial to have prior experience in rappelling, rope management, and navigation skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved in the activity. Due to the remote location, it is advisable to undertake this adventure with a knowledgeable and experienced guide or as part of a well-organized group. CanyonNZ guides this canyon on almost a daily basis and were very knowledgeable and friendly when we called them for canyon beta. If you are going to take this canyon on by yourself it is recommended to call CanyonNZ before your trip at 0800 422 696 so you can get the latest Beta and space out groups.
Before we get into the beta of the canyon a little history is needed. The canyon derives its intriguing name from the towering cliffs and majestic formations that resemble a slumbering deity. This gives you an idea of what to expect as you should be prepared to be awestruck by its awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonders.
To get to the trailhead requires a ~30 min drive on a dirt road to Trestle View Campsite. The road is in great condition and the parking lot is large with plenty of spots for hikers. Below is an image of the route we took. You can see there are several hiking trails in the area. We ran into several hikers on our approach, but as soon as we got into the canyon we had it to ourselves. If you’d like the gpx/kml file send me a message on my Contact Page.
The adventure begins with a moderate hike through a rugged terrain, leading you to bridge that crosses of the river. We dropped in at the bridge and changed into our wetsuits under the bridge. See the route we took below. As you descend into the depths of Sleeping God Canyon, you’ll encounter a series of rappels. The descents can range from short drops to thrilling multi-pitch rappels, adding an element of excitement and challenge to the journey. On our trip all the anchor stations webbing and bolts were in good condition. This is one of the benefits of doing a canyon that is guided often. The rappels were straight forward and for the most part the location of the anchors kept us out of the waterflow. On the day we descended the canyon we could have gone directly in the flow of water, but it is easy to see why they are rigged out of the water flow as the canyon could easy carry more water than it did on the day we descended.
Most of the rappels ended with short swimming through pools of water. The stunning rock formations and geological features within Sleeping God Canyon offered breathtaking sights. We enjoyed the intricate patterns on the walls, hidden alcoves, and hexagonal rock shapes. The way the light played on the water spray created some cool rainbow features that added to the beauty of the canyon. Add on top of that a couple good cliff jumps and a cool slide feature and we were in heaven.
Canyoneering in Sleeping God Canyon is not just an adrenaline-pumping adventure; it is also an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. The ruggedness and remoteness of the canyon provide a sense of solitude and tranquility, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the natural world.
As with any outdoor activity, safety should be the top priority during canyoneering in Sleeping God Canyon. Ensure you have appropriate gear, including a helmet, harness, ropes, and a sturdy anchor system. Stay vigilant and aware of potential hazards, such as loose rocks, flash floods, and changing weather conditions. Respect the environment and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of the canyon for future adventurers.
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