Hike Sawcut Gorge, New Zealand

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The Sawcut Gorge route (3 hr return) is a great place to be on a hot day with excellent swimming holes and towering rock faces. The stream flows through the gorge which is 150 metres deep and only 2 metres wide in places. The marked route starts from the riverbed, look out for the orange triangles directing walkers in and out of the riverbed. After 45 minutes to an hour walking and crossing the river several times, you arrive at the reserve boundary. From here the route leaves the riverbed for a short while then meets Isolated Creek. After 30 minutes you reach the spectacular Sawcut Gorge. To get there turn off State Highway 1, 35 km south of Blenheim (72 km north of Kaikoura) into the Waima/Ure Valley and follow the gravel road up to its end at Blue Mountain Station. WARNING: Slot canyons are particularly dangerous due to the risk of flash floods. Storms far away can send walls of water down the narrow canyons and hikers have been killed in such events. In many slot canyons, it can be miles before a safe exit or rescue is possible. Hikers should check conditions carefully and not rely on seeing the sky to judge the weather. If there is even a slight chance of rain, do not enter slot canyons. Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the relevant DOC office to obtain a permit.

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