About Us

 

THE COMPANY 

 Climbing Queenstown was originally established under the name ‘Via Ferrata’ in 2003. The company was initially started by a team of outdoor professionals who built the Via Ferrata over approximately a year. Their desire was to provide an activity that would allow anyone of moderate fitness to experience the excitement, exposure and scenic beauty of climbing, normally only enjoyed by people with professional climbing skills. 

That Via Ferrata facility now has over 1,000 rungs and 500m of cable spread across our cliffs, with up to 400m height gain from the valley floor. 

Today, operating under the Climbing Queenstown Company, we now offer a broader range of climbing experiences including; rock climbing, abseiling, mountaineering, site safety for film and photo, alpine trekking, training and team building. 

 

All of our lead guides are qualified and experienced in outdoor instruction and are members of the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA). 

INSTRUCTOR REGISTRATION LINK 

We cater to a broad market taking both individuals and groups to various locations in the Wakatipu area. Regular maintenance and safety inspections are carried out on all Via Ferrata cliffs and their attachments, with harnesses, helmets and other safety equipment checked daily. 

This peace of mind leaves you free to enjoy your experience to the fullest and allows you to soak in the scenic beauty and thrill that is Climbing Queenstown. 

THE PEOPLE ~YOUR INSTRUCTORS & GUIDES 

 

Dave Bolger – Senior Instructor/Guide 

 Dave started his mountain adventures at a very early age on Mt Taranaki. Dave’s first trip to the Southern Alps was at the age of 14years where he climbed many peaks including the Minarets 3000m. 

His second trip to the Southern Alps saw him climb Mt Cook (3700m) at the age of 15, and this was not a guided ascent. His passion, love and enthusiasm for all aspects of climbing continues to grows even after climbing for more than 20 years! His new route contribution to New Zealand climbing has been prolific, with 100+ new rock, alpine and ice routes to his credit. 

Dave has been working as an outdoor professional for over 12 years, and holds New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) awards ( Alpine 1 & 2 , Rock 1 & 2 ) , these are the highest awards in instructing in New Zealand. Daves also holds a Avalanche 1 and NZMGA Glacier 1 qualifications also a Bachelor of Science ( Physical Geography & Environmental Science ). 

He is incredibly patient and is always willing to part knowledge to his clients. His attention to detail and friendly character makes him a popular companion on the rock or in the mountains. 

 

Chris Prudden – Senior Guide/Instructor 

 Chris started his climbing career way back in the 70’s and is still going strong! Chris spent much of his youth travelling around the world and even worked as a guide on Switzerlands Matterhorn, and Austrias Gross Glockner. 

On returning from overseas in 1984, Chris started his own Guiding business on Mt Taranaki, and has made more than 1300 ascents of the 2500m volcano. In 2001 he moved to Queenstown to be closer to more mountains, and is still finding new adventures in the local peaks. 

Chris has endless knowledge on a wide variety of topics which makes him a great companion in the hills. He has over 20 years experience in guiding and instructing and continues to mentor young instructors. 

He holds NZOIA Alpine 2 and is an Alpine assessor for NZOIA. 

Chris is a Team leader in Alpine Cliff Rescue, with involvement for many years in both in the north and south island, he holds SARINZ qualifications. 

When not engaged in climbing he works as a land surveyor. 

 

Rupert Gardiner – Senior Instructor/Guide 

Rupert is a Queenstown local having grown up in the wonderful Southern Lakes Area. Rupert starting climbing and skiing almost before he could walk. He is one of the most talented all round climbers in New Zealand and is no stranger to hard sport climbing or steep water ice. 

He is fresh back from a successful trip to Patagonia, where his climbing skills were tested on some of the hardest routes in the area. 

He holds NZOIA Rock 2 and Alpine 2 and the Avalanche 1 qualifications. 

Rupert has an in depth knowledge of climbing in the Southern lakes area and is very respected by locals for his climbing ethics. He has a relaxed nature that’s makes clients feel at ease and nothing is too much trouble for Rupert. His experience and climbing CV is outstanding for 15 years of climbing, and he is a member of the Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue team. 

Johnny Davison – Guide/Instructor   

Johnny is known for his hard ice climbing on Canadian test peaces and has established some of the hardest water ice routes in New Zealand. Johnny is always into stimulating conversation and loves his coffee. 

His overall knowledge on a wide variety of topics makes him an outstanding guide and first choice for many people. Johnny holds a New Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) qualification.  Johnny has recently returned from a successful guided accent of Mt Everest May 2010. 

Paul Halsted – Instructor   

Paul is a talented guy being an auto mechanic and a rock climbing instructor. Most of his time these days he is working up the Remarkables for NZ Ski. However given a chance he loves his instructing on the Via Ferrata or basic rock climbing. Paul was originally from the UK however I don’t think he is planning on going home any time soon! Paul holds NZOIA Rock 1. 

 

Karl Johnson – Instructor 

Karl has been involved with instructing for Climbing Queenstown since the opening of the Via Ferrata. 

He was one of the first Via Ferrata guides and has extensive knowledge of the construction of the facility. 

Karl enjoys riding his Ducati, instructing rock climbing, walking his two dogs and chilling in the back country. Karl holds NZOIA Rock 1 and is in the volunteer fire brigade in Queenstown. 

Jessica Marriott - Instructor 

Jes is new to the team in 2010 after completing  a 2 year diplomain Sport and Recreation at the Otago Polytechnic. After completing her diploma she went on to pass with flying colours her NZOIA Rock 1. Jes has a mellow approach which is backed up with strong technical skills and a real passion for the outdoors. Her personal rock climbing experience is vast, with many trips to Australia and the Darrens in Fiordland New Zealand. She loves moderate trad routes and her tick list on the local classic’s is growing daily. She has also completed a bachelor of Arts in her home country of Australia, therefore it can be said she is a well rounded individual and a talented up and coming  instructor. 

Reese Doyle – Instructor   

Reese is the young gun of the team and comes from New Mexico. Reese is known for his endless energy and love for having a good time climbing and dancing. He continues to work through his climbing apprenticeship and has had a great season climbing routes in the Darrens ( Milford NZ ) and establishing hard routes in the Queenstown area. Reese holds NZOIA Rock 1 

Helen Maddock – Instructor  

 Helen is a very motivated instructor and always strives for the most out of her clients. Helen has been instructing for years in the UK and relates well to wide range of people. 

She holds the Single Pitch Award, UK qualification in rock climbing, Mountain leader award and various caving and kayaking awards from the UK. 

Helen has a wealth of knowledge with all her travelling adventures and is a straight talker. Extremely passionate about the outdoors and the outdoor industry and is a true professional in outdoor instruction.