New Zealand Rock Climbing

While New Zealand may not be a climbing destination per se, there is certainly enough rock to keep you occupied while you're here. If you enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, surfing, skiing, or just being outside in a gorgeous location, as well as climbing, this place is for you.

As far as climbing goes you'll have access to all types, from bouldering to alpine, within a day or two drive. For beta, climbnz.org.nz is probably the best resource on the web. Its not as easy to navigate as MP, but the site gets frequently updated with the latest route info. If you plan on spending time in a specific area do yourself a favor and buy the guide book. The friendly local climbers are very helpful, but with so few people in such a big country, you'll often find a crag, or beach, to yourself.

May 3, 2013

climbnz.org.nz/nz is the best resource for route information - ranging from boulders to crags to mountains. Some of the crags around Christchurch are still off limits since the 2011 Earthquake.

NZ has a pretty friendly community that is happy to help reduce the number of epics in the mountains. For current mountain conditions (eg access, glaciers, ice, etc), the best source of information is probably through Facebook via the Canterbury Mountaineering Club or the New Zealand Alpine Club. There are also some smaller, local groups (eg Queenstown Climbing Club, etc) where you might have a better chance finding partners.

Also, depending on how long you are visiting/staying, you can get discounted hut tickets through joining the clubs. topomap.co.nz/ and avalanche.net.nz are also fantastic, invaluable resources. Happy climbing! Oct 22, 2015