1 / 3Wanaka Rock Climbing
📍 Wānaka, Otago
Wānaka Rock Climbing has been guiding climbers since 1998. Single-day fun courses through to multi-day alpine trips across the South Island — Wānaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Glenorchy, and Fiordland. Guides qualified through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.
I cannot sing their praises enough! We had Frankie as our guide who was flat out one of the most lovely people we've ever had the pleasure to meet, and so incredibly knowledgeable about all things climbing! In 3 days she taught my partner and I everything we needed to know and more to feel totally safe and confident taking on multi-pitch climbing on our own. Not to mention the extremely fun days of getting out to some really beautiful places with packed lunches that put my meal prep to shame! Llewellyn was super attentive, always very thoughtful and really made sure we were getting what we wanted out of our time with them. Thanks to you both for an absolutely incredible experience that we definitely consider a highlight of our time in New Zealand!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for teens and older kids comfortable on a rope, plus adults at any level. Reviewers — many of them experienced climbers comparing globally — consistently name guides Llewellyn, Tim, and Frankie and call out how the climbs are matched to the group's level. Multi-day trips include packed lunches and back-country accommodation.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →22 Google reviews
Kate Moyes-Martin
7 years ago
“I cannot sing their praises enough! We had Frankie as our guide who was flat out one of the most lovely people we've ever had the pleasure to meet, and so incredibly knowledgeable about all things climbing! In 3 days she taught my partner and I everything we needed to know and more to feel totally safe and confident taking on multi-pitch climbing on our own. Not to mention the extremely fun days of getting out to some really beautiful places with packed lunches that put my meal prep to shame! Llewellyn was super attentive, always very thoughtful and really made sure we were getting what we wanted out of our time with them. Thanks to you both for an absolutely incredible experience that we definitely consider a highlight of our time in New Zealand!”
Peter Stapor
5 years ago
“Had an amazing experience on a 3-day trip with lead guide Llewellyn! We climbed in three different spots, each one totally unique. Llew is an expert climber and a treasure trove of knowledge about the outdoors, the New Zealand landscape, history, and good music. He's a really good cook too! This was absolutely the best part of my 2-week trip to NZ. Hope I can come back and will definitely be giving Wanaka Rock Climbing a call when I do.”
Steph Hagerty
6 years ago
“My Husband and I really enjoyed our climbing experience with Wanaka Rock Climbing. We did the 2-day multi-pitch climb at Mt. Cook with Tim as our guide. Tim was experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly. Our climbing level is 5.11 indoor top rope and 5.9 outdoor lead, and this was our first multi-pitch. Tim chose fun climbs that also challenged us. We would and have already recommended Wanaka Rock Climbing to our friends.”
Anežka Pejlová
8 years ago
“I can highly recommend these guys! My husband and I spent an awesome day out with Llewellyn climbing the Grand Travers of The Remarkables. He is really professional and reliable guide with deep knowledge and huge experience. He did his best that we could enjoy the climb and he told us lots of information about NZ mountains as well. We would definitely go for another climbing trip with him.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Wānaka Rock Climbing is the original Wānaka guiding service, running since 1998. The office is at Basecamp Adventures Climbing Centre on Cardrona Valley Road. Trips range from introductory full-day fun climbs through to three-day development courses, multi-pitch alpine rock, and overnight back-country trips. Climbing areas include Wānaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook, the Remarkables, Glenorchy, and Fiordland. School and group bookings welcomed alongside private one-on-one guiding. All guides are NZMGA-qualified and most have an outdoor-education teaching background.
