9 Places for Rock Climbing in Auckland
Rock Climbing is among the newer and more popular activities in Auckland. A large number of natural climbing spots were already on offer while recently some world-class climbing centres have also popped up across the city. Youngsters and even children are interested in this high-performance full-body workout. Trained and competent professionals are available at all these places so that you have an experience of a lifetime. Here is our list of the best places to try rock climbing in Auckland, so put on your best shoes and get ready to scale some heights.1. Clip ‘N Climb
One of the most popular centers for learning rock climbing in Auckland, Clip ‘N Climb is an exciting indoor center. It offers 34 challenging climbs and 2 additional fun features that enhance your thrilling experience. This is a fun climbing spot for all age groups and they also have a RealRoc wall which is one of the best natural featured indoor walls in New Zealand. You can have an enjoyable time challenging yourself in a safe environment under the guidance of their well-trained and friendly staff.Location: Capital Cinema Building, 610 Dominion Road, Mount Eden/ Balmoral, Auckland
Ideal for: Beginners to Advanced
Timings: Wednesday- 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM,
Thursday & Friday- 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM,
Saturday & Sunday- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday & Tuesday- Closed
Prices: (2-6 years) – NZD 17
(7-74 years) – NZD 20
(75+ years)- Free
2. Red Hill Community Centre
The Red Hill Community Centre is owned and operated by the Papakura Community Trust. It has a small rock climbing setup with around 23 climbs to choose from. They range in challenge levels from easy to very difficult. This is the best place for first-timers to try Rock climbing in Auckland at affordable rates. Climbing shoes are also available on hire here.Location: 163 Dominion Road, Papakura
Ideal for: Beginners to Moderate
Timings: Tuesday- 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: NZD 5 per session
3. Extreme Edge
New Zealand’s largest indoor climbing center, Extreme Edge is the best place to learn and experience rock climbing in Auckland. They offer around 200+ challenging routes and a bouldering section to keep you enthralled. The colorful kids climbing zone and adventure land make it a fun place for family outings.Location: 40c Morrin Road, Panmure, Auckland
Ideal for: Beginners to Moderate
Timings: Monday to Friday- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: Adult (16 years or above)- NZD 23.50
Child (15 years or under)- NZD 18.50
Pre-schoolers (2 to 5 yrs)- NZD 12
Family Pass (2 kids + 2 adults or 3 kids + 1 adult)- NZD 65
Bring in your own harness for a discount of NZD 5.
4. Birkenhead Leisure Centre
The perfect spot for adventure junkies, Birkenhead Leisure Centre offers rock climbing, archery, kayaking and swimming in a fun and safe environment. The Centre offers a 216 square meter rock climbing area where you can learn and practice techniques of climbing under expert supervision. They offer courses for all learner levels at affordable rates are among the best centers for rock climbing in Auckland.Location: 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland
Ideal for: Beginners to Advanced
Timings: Vary as per class schedule, visit their website for updated information
Pricing: Nine weeks course at NZD 144 onwards
5. Ti Point
Ti Point is a great climbing spot with a mix of sport and traditional routes. The picturesque setting and high-quality coastal basalt make it a favorite spot for rock climbing in Auckland. Climbing at Ti Point began in the early 70s and it has undergone a lot of development since then. There are around 40 challenging routes in the area. Make sure you check tide timings before you head out for climbing at Ti Point.Location: 90 kilometers north of Auckland
Ideal for: Advanced
Timings: Low tide days
Pricing: Free
6. Waiheke Boulder
Waiheke Island is an extensive boulder field of rounded boulders that offer the best experience of rock climbing in Auckland. You can take a ferry trip to reach the stunning island and enjoy the astounding views of the location too. The island offers a wide range of bouldering opportunities and is great for adventure lovers.Location: Stony Batter Area, Waiheke Island
Ideal for: Moderate to Advanced
Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Pricing: 15 years or under- NZD 40
16 years or above- NZD 60
7. Northern Rocks
One of its kind indoor bouldering center in New Zealand, Northern Rocks is a bouldering gym with facilities for all age groups and experience levels. Equipped with two top-out boulders, a hydraulic climbing area, a tension boards, and a campus board it is one of the best places to learn rock climbing in Auckland. Friendly staff and 600 square meters of easy to challenging climbing terrain make it a fun place to spend time with friends and family.Location: 111 Diana Dr, Glenfield, Auckland
Ideal for: Beginner to Advanced
Timings: Monday to Friday- 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: Adults (16 years or above)- NZD 20
Youth (15 years or under up to 8 years)- NZD 17.50
Kids (7 years or under)- NZD 15
8. Vertical Adventures Indoor Climbing
Designed and founded by Darrin Worsfold, Vertical Adventures Indoor Climbing is a premier climbing center at Glen Eden in West Auckland. With a focus on child-centered climbing, it is a great place for kids to begin their climbing journey. It provides an ideal and safe environment for people of different age groups and all fitness levels. You can visit Vertical Adventures for family-friendly activities and thrilling rock climbing in Auckland.Location: 5 Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland
Ideal for: Beginner to Advanced
Timings: Monday to Friday- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: Pre-School (3 to 5 years olds)- NZD 10
Child (6 to 15 years old)- NZD 17
Adult (16 years or above)- NZD 22
Bouldering only- NZD 10
9. Maungarei Springs Wetlands
This urban basalt quarry climbing spot is located near a small lake and it has a mix of sport and traditional routes including a few dry-tooling routes as well. The Maungarei Springs area located in the Stonefields suburb was developed in 2009. You must wear protective gear including helmets as there are a lot of loose rocks from the quarry.Location: Tephra Blvd, Stonefields, Mt Wellington, Auckland
Ideal for: Advanced
Timings: Appropriate weather conditions
Pricing: Free
Equipment Needed for Rock Climbing
1. Climbing shoes: These are specially designed shoes with pointed toe designs and sharp edges that provide you extra grip.
2. Chalk bag: To get a better grip on the surface you must use chalk powder to dry out the moisture from your hands.
3. Climbing Harness and Rope: These are the most important pieces of safety equipment that provide support and ensure you are secure throughout your climb.
4. Belay Device: This little tool provides you extra control over the rope and allows others to belay you to avoid a sharp fall.
5. Comfortable clothes: Weather-appropriate clothes are important to keep you comfortable and safe.
6. Others: Carrying water, sunscreen, boulder pads, and medicines are also equally important.
What is Rock Climbing?
Rock climbing is a challenging sport that has picked up recently among youth across the globe. It involves climbing natural rocks or artificial walls and requires immense physical strength. The sport is enthralling and completing a climb without falling gives a great sense of reward.Rock climbing had existed for ages but was recognized as a sport towards the end of the nineteenth century. It was a sport pursued only by professionals earlier but has now evolved to include people of different ages and stamina levels. There are different types of rock climbing with varying difficulty levels such as Free Climbing, Bouldering, Trad Climbing, Indoor Climbing, Sport Climbing, Big Wall Climbing, Top Rope, and Top Belaying Climbing.