Kia ora!
We are a volunteer community for alpine and rock climbing in Wellington and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Photo by Mathew Denys
NZAC Wellington Photography Competition 2026 - Now Open!
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NZAC Wellington Photography Competition 2026 - Now Open! 🌄
Bring your experiences into focus and showcase the creativity of our community. Enter your photos now to be in for a chance to win!
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
Every Tuesday 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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![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. -
![Snow-covered mountain range with sharp peaks under a clear blue sky.]()
ALP 2 Whakapapa Pinnacles Gullies
4-6 September
Steep snow and mixed climbing in the upper Pinnacles gullies on Whakapapa, with several pitches onto the ridge before a walk off from the top. Requires Snowcraft 2 or equivalent experience. -
![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. -
![Small metal cabin with solar panels on the roof, set against a rocky, snow-covered mountain landscape.]()
ALP 2+ Ringatoto North Buttress
9-11 October
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. -
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ALP 1 Taranaki Southern Route via Syme Hut
10-11 October
An overnight trip to Syme Hut aka the Fridge on the Ridge, with a summit of Taranaki via the Southeast Ridge. Suited to those with ample Snowcraft 1 experience, with high levels of fitness required. -
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Kawakawa Bay Rock Meet - Labour Weekend
22-26 October
Rhyolite cliffs above the northern shore of Lake Taupō, with single and multi-pitch routes on gear and bolts among native bush. A full rack is recommended. Access is via the K2K track from Kinloch or by boat, with good camping and swimming when you're not climbing. -
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ALP 1+ Tukino ski touring
30 October- 2 Nov
Ski touring on the quiet eastern side of Ruapehu over a long weekend, with the Whangaehu Glacier as the main terrain. Skins and avalanche safety gear required.
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.
Photo Competition 2026
The NZAC Wellington Photo Competition celebrates the experiences that connect us - from the glow of sunrise on a ridge to laughter at the crag, each image tells part of our collective journey.
Select your finest shots from your recent adventures and be in with the chance to win!
Five Categories, Endless Inspiration
Whether you’re drawn to sweeping alpine landscapes or the fine details of the climbing experience, there’s a category for every perspective:
Alpine Adventure: Capture the spirit and energy of people in the alpine.
Rock Climbing: Express the motion, emotion, and artistry of rock climbing.
Beyond the Summit: Reveal the journeys, stories, and people behind the adventure.
Alpine Landscapes: Showcase the drama and beauty of mountain environments.
Alpine Nature: Celebrate our alpine flora, fauna, ice, and geology.
Get Started
Check the official rules for image specifications and entry criteria. You can submit up to three images per category, but hurry - entries close 11:59 PM, Sunday 11 October 2026!
An awards evening will be held at the Section night on 5 November, where some fantastic prizes will be up for grabs!
Alpine Adventure: Jen Craig, Wind-borne Flurry
Alpine Nature: Patrick Lam, Prancing Foal and Mare
Beyond the Summit: Mathew Denys, Loving the approach
Alpine Landscape: Nye Williams-Renouf, A crisp Shark's Tooth
Rock Climbing: Kelly Marie, Try Hard
Celebrating our 2025 Category Winners
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. Three years later and I've done alpine routes, outdoor rock climbing and first aid courses. I’ve found a community of nature and adventure lovers, and I couldn’t be happier.”
— Stéphan from Wellington
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.