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Single Cone 24/08/10

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:34:06 +0000

Chris Prudden guided client, Rob up Single Cone via the standard south gully route. I (Jess) came along for a great day out. A perfect sunny day the snow proved stable and compact however quite deep leaving the Wye saddle. Plugging thigh deep it greatly slowed our approach however we didn’t let this phase us. Chris leading for most of the way kept on strong. Continuing on led to much easier terrain, a chilly ascent up the gully then up onto the summit. It was the perfect winters day for this trip, with light winds on top and clear skies. We greatly reccomend a Single Cone ascent in summer but on a day like this, its equally good this time of year.

Jess and Rob on summit

: Chris starting up the gully

Camping Wye Creek

Dave — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:25:10 +0000

10 am on a Sunday morning, the sun hasn’t quite made it through the clouds and there is a cool breeze whipping off the lake, 19 sleepy looking kids pile out of their mini buses and look up the Wye Valley with bleary eyes…. “We’re hiking all the way up there?!”

After a quick gear check and a few instructions, Rupert and Rose set off leading the ‘Little Brown Kiwi’ group up the 4×4 track to gain the path that would lead them up the North branch of the Wye Valley. The kids are fast and fit and pretty soon everyone is warmed up.

A leisurely lunch was followed by a few more hours of tramping through the beech forest and a couple of river crossings to reach our campsite. Space was a little tight with all eleven tents but after some careful maneuvering we were all squeezed in and the kids promptly fell asleep for an afternoon nap! After a rest we were keen to do some more hiking and continued up the valley, alongside the waterfall above our campsite. Some tricky moves were required to avoid the spiky spear grass and we soon had fantastic views of Single and Double cone to our right (the highest peaks on the Remarkable Mountains) and Lake Wakatipu on our left. There was an impromptu stone-statue building competition and then we all headed back to camp for tea and medals.

Dinner was followed by a few rounds of group juggling and catching last few rays before watching the sunset. It was an early night for most of the team – wiped out after carrying their heavy packs up the valley.

After a good nights kip we woke to sunny skies and a gentle meander back across the river and down the valley. We were really impressed by the positive attitude of the group throughout the two days; we didn’t hear one single complaint! Special mentions go to ‘Shazza’ for making it all the way up the valley, James for taking a two minute bath in the (very cold) river and to Mr Hay and J-Lo for making it all the way down the valley with surprise rocks in their packs – sorry fellas, karma!

Rupert relaxing in the North Wye.

Wye Creek Trekking

Dave — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:22:07 +0000

A new product which we have just launched, is the two day Wye Creek Circuit. Classic Kiwi alpine trekking in a stunning location just out of Queenstown. This trip is a mixture of formed trail and an unformed route up and over Wye saddle. Nice and remote with your own personal guide, who is qualified in alpine trekking and has years of local experience. Give Dave an email to find out more details – dave@climbingqueenstown.com

Introduction to rock climbing New Zealand

Dave — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:27:48 +0000

Our half day and full day rock trips are perfect for you to taste climbing on the real rock. Conditions are perfect at the moment and we have a great selection of routes to test you on. Our group size has a maximum ratio of one instructor to four clients, therefore the groups are very personal and maintain a very high safety standard. All instructors are qualified and very current in the latest climbing techniques.

Ryan hangin out at Wye Creek! Full day location.

Look forward to getting you out on the rock in Queenstown! Dave.

ALPINE blog with Chris

chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:33:39 +0000

Plenty of action on our local peaks of the Remarkables.

Their geographic location means plenty of dry weather and more climbing days in a multitude of great alpine situations.

'Wye man', appeared this summer at the Wye saddle and he has been monitoring the traffc

Lori and Kim waiting for their guide to leadout the rope on the north ridge of Single Cone

Last moves before the summit of Double Cone

Summit of Double Cone 2320m, Single Cone and the Nevis mountains behind

Luise and Mathias with hands on rock and making progress to the summit

A local Kea comes to say hello

The lads from Holland get the ultimate traverse picture

Crazy clouds in the Wakatipu make for an interesting summit view from Single Cone 2320m

Team Nederland on track for the West ridge of Single Cone

The latest in the mountains

chris — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:44:35 +0000

The summit of Mt Earnslaw 12/10/09, perfect, photo by Rupert Gardiner

The Alpine Peaks of the Wakatipu are waiting for you

Stone Peak, Glenorchy, showing a misty profile 14/10/09, photo Chris Prudden

Expedition Camp in the Wakaari, Glenorchy 14/10/09 photo Chris Prudden

Saturday19/09/09, the magic snow arete leading to Single Cones Summit.

The highest peak on the Remarkables (Single Cone 2320m) is in good climbing condition right now.

Winter snow cover is packing down, warm clear days and good night freezes make for stable snow.

The NZ southern alps are a sight to behold, with the mountain town of Queenstown a vertical 2 km below.

Experienced or novice, if you are fit and keen its within your grasp.

Call Dave at 0800climbing

QUEENSTOWN VIEW WEBCAM LINK

The super view of Lake Wakatipu from Single Cone 19/09/09

Weather check link

Warm Rock…

Dave — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:24:53 +0000

Yes that’s right, we are having a very warm August in Queenstown which means the rock is warm and ready to be climbed!! Give us a call today to arrange you instruction day on the rock. Keep climbing – Dave Bolger

New Ice Route

Dave — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:00:52 +0000

Two of our local guides Dave Bolger and Rupert Gardiner have established a new 2 pitch WI 5 in the south Wye Valley. The route is only 2.5 hours walk from the carpark and has a very steep and sustained second pitch. Rupert described it as the hardest ice route he has done in NZ. The route is at a lower elevation therefore it is vulnerable to warmer temperatures. We would expect conditions to be marginal on the route currently as the last week in Queenstown have been very warm. If you are looking for ice I would suggest the higher elevation of the north Wye ice.

Rupert leading the second pitch of Haskins drop - WI5

Definitely give the Via Ferrata a go

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:17:51 +0000

If you’re an inexperienced rock climber like me, the Via Ferrata is a great option to test out your climbing skills. You also get to take in the most stunning views of Queenstown as you make your way up! Judy Darling, Sydney

I had the most amazing time!

climbing — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:47:12 +0000

Going rock climbing is not something I’d usually do, but the guys at Climbing Queenstown put me at ease and I had a really great time.