Rock Climbing in Auckland

Auckland's climbing gyms cover everything from a child's first wall to serious training. For pure beginner fun, the two Clip 'N Climb centres (Mount Eden, and Albany on the North Shore) use auto-belays on themed challenge walls with no experience needed, and both sites run the Vertical Drop Slide and Leap of Faith challenges for the brave.

Extreme Edge in Saint Johns is Auckland's most-reviewed climbing gym (4.6 from nearly 1,800 reviews) with a dedicated kids' area, and Vertical Adventures in Glen Eden runs more than 30 walls from beginner to roof level with a family-friendly setup and parties.

For bouldering, Boulder Co. at Westgate is the modern pick, holding 4.9 stars with kids' classes and a cafe, while Northern Rocks in Wairau Valley and Auckland Climbing Gym in Eden Terrace both welcome beginners; check each listing for kids' programmes.