New Zealand offers some world class mountaineering and rock climbing opportunities with a vast number of tall mountains and peaks found here. Home to one of the greatest mountaineers in the world, Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man along with Tenzing Norgay to climb Mount Everest, this tiny country offers some superb mountains to conquer. Mountains are a dominant part of New Zealand’s vast and varied terrain with plenty of mountaineering on hand for climbers of all skill levels. The mountains of New Zealand are also the perfect training ground for many mountaineering and rock climbing expeditions.

Perhaps one of New Zealand’s more famous exports, the mountains here have often been used in big budget Hollywood productions like the Lord of the Rings or Vertical Limit. The best place to go mountaineering or rock climbing in New Zealand has to be on the South Island, which is home to the Southern Alps. These mountains offer some of the most challenging climbing conditions in the world with 19 peaks here over 3,000 meters. The Southern Alps are also home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, the beautiful Mount Cook. Some other important peaks on the South Island are;

Mount Tasman and
Mount Aspiring

On New Zealand’s North Island, some excellent peaks are;

Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ngauruhoe
Mount Tongariro and
Mount Egmont

If you are interested in mountaineering or rock climbing in New Zealand, there are plenty of opportunities on hand for skilled climbers. Climbing can be treacherous for novice climbers in many places as New Zealand’s climate up in the mountains tends to change on a moments notice. And while most mountain tracks can be attempted all year round, it is advisable not to climb the South Island peaks in winter. You will find plenty of commercial guides available that run a range of tours and courses in mountaineering and rock climbing in New Zealand. Make sure you do your homework and pick a reputable company with plenty of climbing experience and quality customer references. Climbing season in New Zealand is November to March.