New Ice Route

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.

Posted in Home, Mountaineering | Posted by Dave

Watch your gear around the Kea

The Kea is New Zealands (and the worlds) only alpine parrot.

They are a New Zealand native and are protected by law.

It is considered to be the most intellegent bird in the world

The Kea lives in a very hostile environment and its survival is dependant on its very inquisitive and sometimes invasive behaviour.

While they are often seen as sometimes too inquisitive it is their home that we are visiting.

Keep food and equipment well covered (rocks are good) if no one is around to monitor them.

Their great intelligence is to be admired and their survival abilities in the mountains are second to none.

They are great company and are often a very entertaining distraction.

Posted in Hiking, Mountaineering | Posted by chris

Ice Climbing

Aaron Ford on the Fear of Flying curtain WI5 Wye Creek.

Posted in Mountaineering | Posted by Dave