Southern Lakes Alpine Rock Climbing

The Southern Lakes region provides a variety of alpine scrambling and multi-pitch rock climbing venues. Targeted in as day or multi-day trip to sample the best of the region. High up on the alpine rock of the Remarkables, or the big wall of the the Matukituki Valley and Dart Valleys within Mount Aspiring National Park.

Alpine and Multi-pitch Rock Climbing

If you are new to the area or only have a short time to sample the rock climbing on offer, a local guide can showcase the best routes of the region.

The Southern Lakes region provides a variety of alpine and multi-pitch climbing venues. High up in the Remarkables mountain range or overlooking the Matukituki and Dart valleys within Mount Aspiring National Park.

Meeting in Wānaka or Queenstown, we can head to a variety of venues and routes to suit any ability.

Alpine Rock Climbing Objectives

Our favourite rock routes include:

DB’eh Buttress and Indian Summer, Remarkables

Wānaka Mountain Guides - Southern Lakes Alpine Rock Climbing

The Remarkables near Queenstown offer a variety of multi-pitch alpine routes in low to moderate grades. It is possible to continue the adventure by scrambling to the summit of Single or Double Cone for the view of the Wakatipu basin.

Classics include, ‘DE’eh Butress’, ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Fat Lady Sings’.

Ravages of Time, Chinamans Bluff

Chinamans Bluff is 2.5 hours drive from Wanaka through the scenic town of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

‘Ravages of Time’ is a 300m route is situated high above the scenic Dart Valley with the Mount Aspiring National Park and offers up to 9 pitches of exposed bolt and traditionally protected climbing on compact shist. Most pitches are 17-18 with a crux pitch of grade 20 and provides a variety of style including slabs, faces and cracks.

Matukituki Valley

The Matukituki Valley offers a range of single and multi-pitch wall at the end of the Mount Aspiring road and gateway to Aspiring National Park.

This area is home to a number of multi-pitch crags including the imposing Hell’s Gate home of one of New Zealand’s classic steep multi-pitch routes of ‘Taniwha’.

For excellent alpine and multi-pitch rock climbing and scrambling objectives slightly further afield and with a longer time commitment, check out Darrans Alpine Rock Climbing or Sebastapol Bluffs and Twin Stream near Mount Cook

Pricing and Details

Duration:	1+ days Some climbs require 1.5 – 2 days to get in position for a long climbing day
Dates:	Get in touch for private trips November to April
2025/26 Price:	1:1 from $1290 1:2 from $690 per person Includes GST, guide fees, transport from Wanaka, technical equipment.
Maximum ratio:	1:2

Book Now

Thanks so much for doing a great job at coaching someone who had no idea what they were doing lol. I work with some great leaders so I know one when I see one! I am a beginner climber and he gave excellent’ instruction on how to be safe while taking me out of my comfort zone. I’ve found a new love for this sport and it’s thanks to him! Absolutely exceeded my expectations!!! Thanks Wanaka Mountain Guides!

— Landen, Mitre Peak Ascent