Ascents in Ngā Kohatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea Pōkai Whenua / The Port Hills

Really quite fun! I surprised myself getting through the boulder problem, and had to find a good rest in the niche before committing to the exit moves. Probably my hardest onsight?

Don’t know if it’s because this line is short, soft, or suited me well, but I’m still chuffed with the onsight.

Short boulder problem start with one hard crimp.

Mega steep jug haul to an overhanging stem corner. Simply awesome!

Better than expected, and characteristic Britten: a low boulder problem leads to a jug haul. Still, steeper than some above the crux.

Cracking moves traversing under and over the roof, deserves at least a star!

Excellent climbing, good the whole way and would be very sustained without the rest ledge midway. A soft touch at 25, but great nonetheless.

Melting point is 25 too, right?!

Doable without gear, a bit runout at the top but no biggie. Long moves between good edges.

surprising ly solid horn feature at second bolt. line is cramped on headwall, might veer onto Beer hunter holds

First 24 onsight, cool

Better than expected roped boulder problem, but oh so sharp! Single bolt anchor.

Chuffed with the onsight on this one, as the crux is quite tricky and hard to read. Uncharacteristic climbing for Britten.

Had to fight for this one at the end of the day. Nearly blew it at the top but managed to mantle out as my hands pried themselves open.

A bit harder to read than its neighbour, and equal in difficulty.

Wow, I really rate this climb. Consistently fun throughout.

Sustained slabbing with no obvious crux, but goey nearly the whole way.

Bit of a stout warm up, but flowed pretty easily. A quality line!

Draws on onsight, equipped from SJ. This route really exceeded my expectations. Super fun and flowy movement up the arête.

For Britten, I reckon this route is a classic at the grade. Consistently interesting and good rock quality. Only problem was the profligate ticking of holds. Since I only used 25% of them, I’m still claiming the onsight. Buy a brush people, and bloody use it!

Probably 22 the way I did it, going left at the finish. Rather contrived not to though, as the ledges naturally lead left. Once and done!

The crux crimp came off in my hand but managed to stay on and send. Dirty, but decently fun, especially in the upper crack.

A bit wandery from side to side to figure out the sequence, but reasonably logical. Needs another bolt at the top to be a proper sport climb.

A contender for the worst route I’ve ever done. Wet, dirty, minging hard crux right off the ground, then an awkward ramble. Had to do it though, as it’s one of the few grade 24+ routes at Britten than remained to be ticked. Not recommended for any other purpose!

Finally dry at the start. Soft for the grade, but fun and juggy.

This thing wanders all over the shop, featuring some cool moves and positions. Had to work for the frictionless mantle at the top!

Had to fight to stay on at the top, pumpy!

Bit of a one move wonder, but straightens out the line.

Pretty good warm up actually. Builds slowly with a climatic finish.

At most a soft 23 given the good rests throughout, even though it suits my style. Great line either way.