New Zealand Rock Climbing

» Dates 2010: 21-29 Januray; 2-10 March.

» 2-6 participants, 1 guide.
Individual bookings welcome. If you end up being the only person on a trip you will have the option of changing to another date or a full refund.

» NZ$3600 per person. NZ$ exchange rate.

» Group discounts:
3 participants NZ$3270 per person. Book 3 persons to qualify.
4-6 participants NZ$2880 per person. Book a minimum of 4 persons to qualify.

» Prices valid 1 May 2009 - 30 April 2010.

» Included: IFMGA mountain guide for 9 days, bed & breakfast each day of tour, transport in minibus, all climbing equipment (excluding rock shoes), 12.5% GST.

» Port Hills, Christchurch, East Coast

Rock: Basalt, more than 300 routes in all levels, fantastic view over Christchurch and the Southern Alps.

» Castle Hill, towards Arthurs Pass on eastern side of Southern Alps

Rock: Limestone, more than 1000 boulders and 110 climbing routes one of the world's famous bouldering and climbing areas.

» Paynes Ford, Takaka, North-west Nelson

Rock: Limestone. About 240 routes in all grades in the forest and by the beach, user-friendly, bolted routes. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, we stay in a unique, mediterranean style B&B.

» Charleston, West Coast

Rock: Solid granite, sea cliffs. Climb while almost touching the waves of the ocean! More than 190 routes grade 10-24

» All skill levels are catered for but it is recommended that climbers have had at least six sessions at an indoor climbing wall or similar.

» Fitness: Participants are expected to be regular exercisers, including aerobic and/or gym training. You need to have a good head for heights, a sense of adventure, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

» DAYS 1+2:
Meet your guide at 9.00am at the YMCA reception, Hereford St. Christchurch. Gear check.

Warm-up and skill assessment on the Port Hills. Basics Checklist: roping up, belaying, abseiling, placing protection, hand and foot placement.

» DAYS 3+4:
Drive to Castle Hill.

Continue rock and abseiling techniques using a variety of routes and rock surfaces. Practise bouldering skills.

» DAYS 5+6:
Drive to Paynes’ Ford, Takaka, visiting Harwood’s Hole en route – New Zealand’s deepest vertical cave, 357m.

Introduction to lead climbing and continue to develop your personal climbing technique.

» DAYS 7+8:
Charleston. Using nuts and cams to belay, build solid anchors and take on multi-pitch climbing.

» DAY 9:
Drive back to Christchurch via scenic Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass. Course ends about 6pm.

» The eastern side of the Southern Alps has much less rainfall and is much drier than the western side. The top half of the South Island, which includes all our locations, generally enjoys better weather than the lower half. Nelson province has the highest sunshine hours of any province in New Zealand.

Because the weather can vary dramatically from one region to the other in New Zealand it is possible to vary this rock tour itinerary to take advantage of the best weather at the time.

» Equipment:
Alpine Recreation provides all technical rock climbing equipment except rock shoes. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking. Outdoor clothing and packs can also be provided at no extra cost if necessary.

» Accommodation pre-/post- tour:
As our equipment check takes place at 9am on the morning of departure, you may want to book accommodation in Christchurch the night before. After the tour, it is recommended to overnight in Christchurch again.

» Insurance:
In case of accident New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However you still need ordinary travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. More information re Accident Compensation. The New Zealand Alpine Club provides a good mountaineering specific travel insurance.