|
| |
|
For
overseas climbers flying into Christchurch and, here are some suggestions
to help you make the most of your New Zealand climbing adventure.
 |
Check
out the city, it's nice and has a real character about it. |
|
Buy
the "South Island Rock" guide
book. It's
good for direction and offers a detailed map of the Castle Hill
boulder fields (one of the worlds best bouldering areas only 45
minutes from Christchurch). |
|
Head
to Lyttelton, its only 10-15 minutes drive from downtown Christchurch.
 |
The
only hostel "Tunnel Vision Backpackers" is a cozy family
run hostel with a nice deck and view with rooms starting at $18 |
|
Port
Hills climbing surround the town. Some crags are in walking
distance - Lyttelton Hill. |
|
Travel
Arrangements
For
anyone staying for more that a few weeks in New
Zealand buying a car is a relatively cheap and popular travel option
and usually easy to sell when you're ready to leave. If you're planning to
visit the North Island during your visit, a car is almost essential, as
many of the crags are not well served by public transport.
Best Climbing Areas
|
Port
Hills rock climbing area is located on the hills between
Christchurch and Lyttelton. |
|
Castle
Hill (world class bouldering), get your triceps ready for
mantels and smearing; "hug it baby" There's plenty of
camping around Castle Hill, but don't camp in the Castle Hill fields
as most of it is private land or a reserve! |
|
Queenstown
|
Careful
of Queenstown, it can be both busy and expensive. |
|
Considered
by many as the "adventure capitol of the world", there is much to see and do. Any adrenaline activity you want
to do, Queenstown’s got it plus stuff you've never heard
about. |
|
The
climbing is tops. World-class sport routes with some incredible
scenery and easy access to long traditional wall frequently
compared to Yosemite – Chinaman’s Bluff, Remarkables and Wye
Creek. A new addition is Queenstown Hill. The only guide for the
Hill is available in Queenstown Outdoor shop and is a couple
pieces of photocopied paper guarded by the locals, so throw them a
smile and act serious about your climbing! |
|
|
Wanaka
|
Wanaka
is a smaller version of Queenstown and moves at a welcomed slower
pace. |
|
You can only purchase the Wanaka guide in Wanaka. It's
around $15 or $10 with the voucher in South Island Rock.) |
|
Beautiful
views and heaps of sport climbing - primo! |
|
|
Paynes
Ford
|
Paynes
is located near the top of the South Island and well worth a visit
if you are travelling to (or from) the North Island. |
|
It's
only camping ($4 a night), but offers running water, toilets and
showers for a dollar. Everything is on the honour system, so be
honourable!!!! |
|
Local
guide books are around $8, and worth it! |
|
The climbers set the atmosphere at the camp, so
introduce yourself around and before you know it, you'll have a
tight crew to climb with. |
|
Check out he Mussel Inn on the weekends. Good music and
beer! |
|
|
|
