Wharepapa Rock, Rock climbing

Map

5 6 1 2 7 3 8 9 4

1 Bumbly's Buttress 2 Upper Tier 3 Lower Tier 4 South End 5 Slab City 6 Owairaka Buttress 7 Swamp Wall 8 Gum's Gully 9 Frighteners Rock

Directions in Google Maps

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Seasonality

Description

Afternoon sun

Large area of pocketed ignimbrite cliffs with something for everyone. Heights range from 6m to 25 m and grades from 12 to 26. There are 10 sectors, the most popular being Upper Tier, Lower Tier and Bumbly's Buttress.

Access issues

Paid

The crag facilities take time and money to maintain. If you climb, you pay, no exceptions.

Recreational climbers do not need to call ahead before visiting but must pay the daily access fee. Payment is cash-only at the crag, or by bank transfer to account 03 1399 0073627 00 - reference: your name and "day pass".

Guided or commercial groups (including school groups) must book in advance by emailing wharepaparock@gmail.com.

The crag is on private farmland - please obey a few simple rules:

Ensure all gates are left as they were found and are properly latched. If you open a gate, you close it.
Do not climb over fences, this can slacken the wires.
Climb safely and responsibly.
Strictly no dogs.

Approach

<5 min

From Bryce's keep heading west on Owairaka Valley Rd until the signposted main entrance of Castle Rock. Turn right into the gated farm track and follow that down the hill, through the holding yard, and up the hill on the other side, right around to the carpark and flush toilet on the west side of the crag. Please leave gates open or closed as you find them - there may be up to 4 gates to open and close including the road gate.