Rock Climbing in New Zealand

Rock climbing and bouldering are alive and well in New Zealand, and the best place to start to get the lowdown on this activity is to go to www.climb.co.nz, which gives a regional overview of the country's best outdoor climbing locations, plus listings of the best rock climbing guidebooks and adventure operators. The Canterbury region is known to provide the most quality rock climbing locations in the country. If you want to join a rock climbing course, Wanaka Rock Climbing (tel. 03/443-6411; www.wanakarock.co.nz) offers 1-, 3-, and 5-day courses in the beautiful Matukituki Valley on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, near Wanaka. Auckland-based Cliffhanger Training & Tours (tel. 09/818-5451; www.cliffhanger.co.nz) caters to all skill levels with its 2-hour to full-day rock climbing coaching adventures, which are overseen by qualified instructors.