Rock Climbing New Zealand

Rock Climbing New Zealand

Rock climbing has grown in popularity in recent years especially with the introduction of rock climbing walls and gyms.  Apart from the indoor activities, New Zealand has some of the best natural climbing areas in the world.

Rock climbing is challenging, exhilarating, healthy and fun, it is not as dangerous as it looks when approached in the correct way.  With modern safety equipment climbing routes which would have been considered very dangerous in the past can now be climbed with relative safety.

For you first climbing experience you will need some basic clothing.  A t-shirt and stretch tracksuit bottoms are generally fine on warm days, when its a little colder a warm track suit with a fleecy jacket will be suitable.  Walking boots are good enough for the easier climbs and trainers will also do the job although these may not be too good on muddy paths.

Rock climbing is not something you should start on your own without any lessons and New Zealand has many good operators who provide climbing guides and instructors who are either NZOIA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association) certified or hold an overseas equivalent standard. You will also find that many guides also belong the the NZMAG (New Zealand Mountain Guides Association).  With these operators you will benefit from their local knowledge and experience and can expect to be taken to the best climbs and areas suited to your ability and ambitions.

For a unique experience why not visit New Zealand’s largest all-weather Glacier and Indoor Ice Climbing Wall at Franz Josef.  The only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only seven in the world.  Hukawai Glacier Centre is a unique ‘must see’ for all visitors to the West Coast region of the South Island.

The following regional locations are well worth a visit;