With over 2000 climbs to choose from, Wanaka is one of the best places in the country for rock climbing. Nine of our most experienced climbers spent last weekend exploring some of the most popular and iconic climbs.

After learning first hand how to set up tents in the dark rain on Friday night, we woke up to a beautiful clear Central Otago morning on Saturday. We spent the morning warming up on Engine Block, before heading to the Main Wall at Hospital Flats for the afternoon. Overall we were offered a wide variety of challenges. Mia, Ella, and Bella found unique moves on Headbangers Arette (grade 17), Lyvia and Summer worked hard on a grade 20 crack called Senstra Dextra, and Jasmine and Mae found Wasted on the Wing (grade 14) to be a refreshing way to finish the day.

On Sunday, we woke to gentle rain and wet rock so chose to spend the day at Base Camp Climbing Gym. After a nice warm up, we all took turns learning how to lead climb. That is when you bring the rope up with you and clip into the wall on your way up rather than having the rope already set up above you. Leading was the only way to access the overhanging roof at the top of the gym. Ariana and Neeka especially enjoyed the challenge of the roof and the added intensity of taking a bigger lead fall.

This trip to Wanaka was our last trip of this term, but sign up and keep an eye on the Google Classroom (b44z4xv) if you want to be kept up to date with future trips and opportunities.