Climbing in New Zealand

Ever heard of Sir Edmund Hillary?  No, well don't take up mountaineering then!

  If you have heard of him, then you'll know that he comes from New Zealand.  Bearing this in mind what better place to come than the Southern Alps where Sir E. came to train before he conquered Mount Everest in 1953.  Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest peak at 3753 metres but there are also 30 peaks higher than 3000 metres.  This should be enough climbing to last you for your fortnights holiday!

Climbing instructors and guides, are available at a number of centres around the Southern Alps and, as elsewhere, will in most cases, be able to kit you out with all the necessary equipment.

If mountaineering sounds a bit daunting, rock climbing could be just the thing. Rock climbing centres can be found at Wanaka, Taranaki, Canterbury and Wellington.   If you want something different though, you will need to go to the indoor (yes, indoor) 10 metre high ice walls at Hukawai, Franz Joseph glacier.

By the way, the emergency services number in New Zealand is 111.