For climbing in New Zealand head straight to the South Island's Southern Alps. This spectacular mountain range contains the highest peaks in Australasia with Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,753 metres, being the highest of 30 peaks over 3,000 metres.

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Climbing in New Zealand

New Zealand Climbing and Abseiling, Climbing in New Zealand, Abseiling in New Zealand

For climbing in New Zealand head straight to the South Island's Southern Alps. This spectacular mountain range contains the highest peaks in Australasia with Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3754 meters, being the highest of 30 peaks over 3000 meters. Mountains are a dominant feature of the New Zealand landscape with both islands providing opportunities for climbers of all abilities, and a perfect training ground for overseas adventures.

Most climbing in New Zealand is done in Westland, Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, Arthur's Pass and Fiordland national parks, all based in the Southern Alps. Although not the highest mountains in the world, these peaks still present a considerable challenge for keen mountaineers, who need to be reasonably fit, and competent with crampons and ice axes. New Zealand's own Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mount Everest, honed his skills in these mountains.

Commercial guides are available and specialist companies run courses covering a range of climbing experiences. Proper instruction and training will enable you to make common-sense decisions that will enhance your safety and help you get up among the beautiful mountain peaks.

The climbing season is generally during the warmer months of November to March, but for experienced climbers the winter months can also produce extended calm, fine spells. Check out more information on the New Zealand climate.

Abseiling

Abseiling in New Zealand is a controlled free-fall where you scale down the side of a near vertical face, and New Zealand's terrain provides a wealth of abseiling opportunities.

At Waitomo (the longest abseil in New Zealand), in the central North Island, you can abseil into the spectacular canyons of the Haggis Honking Holes, plunging down water chutes and waterfalls to swim, slide and float through a wonderland of sculptured rock and thundering cascades.

Some of the best spots to step over the edge in New Zealand:

  • Auckland
  • Taupo
  • Waitomo
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Wanaka

Click here to view tourism operators for abseiling in New Zealand.

Rock Climbing

New Zealand has some of the best outdoor rock climbing opportunities in the world and also offers a great selection of indoor climbing opportunities--where experienced instructors and staff provide the necessary training on climbing, abseiling and safety systems and a selection of climbing equipment will be available for hire. It doesn't matter what your climbing ability is you'll find something to achieve indoors!

Rock climbing in New Zealand has become so popular that many competitions are organised throughout the country.

Click here to view tourism operators for rock climbing in New Zealand.

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