Kia ora!
We are a volunteer community for alpine and rock climbing in Wellington and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Photo by Mathew Denys
From beginner courses to technical alpine routes, we support climbers at all levels through trips, training and community.
Our mission is to foster climbing in all its forms and bring climbers together to conserve the crags, maunga and wild places we share.
Upcoming Meets and Climbs
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![A woman with long red hair climbing an indoor bouldering wall with large, abstract climbing holds.]()
Social climbing night
16 June 5.30:00-7:30PM
Come and join us every Tuesday for a social climb at Faultline. Starts from 5.30pm onwards. We sometimes grab a drink and taco from Rogue & Vagabond afterwards.
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![Snow-covered mountain with a glacier and a lake in the foreground under a clear blue sky.]()
ALP 1 Tahurangi via Skyline Ridge
24-26 July
Tahurangi via the Skyline Ridge is a classic introduction to alpine climbing on Ruapehu. Expect crampons, snow and good views, and suitable for those with basic alpine skills. -
![A snow-covered building and a mountain in a winter landscape]()
ALP 1 Taranaki via Syme Hut |
24-26 July
An overnight trip to Syme Hut with a summit of Taranaki the following morning. A good early-season objective for those building alpine experience, with crampons and ice axe required above the snowline. -
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ALP 1 Te Heu Heu
31 July - 2 August
Te Heu Heu is Tongariro's highest peak and a worthwhile alpine objective in its own right. A solid day on snow and mixed terrain, suited to those looking to consolidate their basic alpine skills. -
![Snow-covered mountain with a ski resort at its base, ski trails visible on the slopes, and a clear sky overhead.]()
ALP 1 Turoa - Whakapapa Traverse
7-9 August
A full traverse of Ruapehu from Turoa to Whakapapa, crossing the Summit Plateau and taking in some of the mountain's best terrain. A committing day out suited to those comfortable on snow with crampons and ice axe. -
![Snow-covered volcanic mountain against a clear blue sky]()
Mt Tongariro / Ngauruhoe
21-23 August
A weekend taking in two of the central plateau's iconic summits. Both are straightforward in good conditions and make an excellent pairing for those looking to build time on volcanic terrain. -
![Snow-covered mountain range with sharp peaks under a clear blue sky.]()
Whakapapa Pinnacles Gullies
21-23 August
A technical ice and mixed day in the Pinnacles gullies on Whakapapa, with route options to suit a range of abilities. Good terrain for those wanting to develop skills on steeper ground. -
![Small metal cabin with solar panels on the roof, set against a rocky, snow-covered mountain landscape.]()
ALP 2+ Ringatoto North Buttress
28-30 August
Ringatoto's North Buttress is one of Ruapehu's more committing routes, with sustained mixed terrain and good exposure. Suited to those with solid alpine experience looking for a technical objective on a familiar mountain. -
![A person standing on snow-covered ground at night, holding a flashlight, with snow-capped mountains in the background.]()
ALP 1- Full Moon Tongariro Alpine Crossing
28-30 August
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing by moonlight, taking in the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes under clear skies. A memorable way to do one of New Zealand's great walks, with crampons likely required in winter conditions. -
![A person in winter gear, including a red and black jacket, helmet, goggles, and gloves, is climbing a snowy, rocky mountain face with climbing equipment, surrounded by snow and ice.]()
ALP 1 & 2 Annual Temple Basin Alpine Meet
17-22 September
The annual section meet at Temple Basin, based out of the lodge at Arthurs Pass with ice and mixed climbing accessible straight from the door. Routes to suit mixed levels, from intermediates on alpine terrain to those after more technical objectives.
Interested in knowing more about trips and routes in Aotearoa?
Read trip reports from the section. See where members have been, what conditions were like, and where to go for your next adventure.
Rent gear for your next trip.
Access a range of alpine and climbing gear through the section. Hiring is open to members and available through our online booking system.
“I joined not really knowing what I was getting into. Two years later I've done my first alpine route and I've got a group of people I'd trust with my life on a mountain.”
— Sarah from Ireland
Membership unlocks adventure.
NZAC membership connects you to a national network of climbers, courses, trips and gear discounts. Join the Wellington Section and you get local instruction from beginner to advanced, regular trips and social climbing, and discounts with gear retailers, accommodation providers and ski fields.