What is the season like between October and February. I guess that's summer down under, so what would it be like to come on a climbing trip to NZ/OZ for those months?
Look me up if you're heading over. I point you in the direction of those nice, soft Aussie 11's!
Thanks Ben. What kind of temps are you talking about in the mornings and evenings? I'm going with my girlfriend so she can climb during the day quite happily but I won't be so keen to wreck my skin. I'm really keen to see castle hill, flock hill, quantum field etc.
Quote from: Carnage on May 30, 2006, 11:07:10 pmLook me up if you're heading over. I point you in the direction of those nice, soft Aussie 11's! From what i've heard I should be looking for those soft 13's since I can just about climb 7C over here... more seriously, i've emailed you for more info!
Does anyone have any essential ticks in the lower grades at Castle Hill (up to V4ish) or is it easier for me just to get lost in a sea of grey limestone having a go at what I fancy until my tips run with blood and my forearms explode?Also any other worthy spots worth a visit, we will definitely be in Wanaka for a bit, and hopefully get to Payne's Ford. What are Rhino and Elephant rocks like? More of the same as CH, or worth checking out?
will castle hill be in nick in august? or snowy?
Quote from: SA Chris on September 09, 2005, 08:04:05 amDoes anyone have any essential ticks in the lower grades at Castle Hill (up to V4ish) or is it easier for me just to get lost in a sea of grey limestone having a go at what I fancy until my tips run with blood and my forearms explode?Also any other worthy spots worth a visit, we will definitely be in Wanaka for a bit, and hopefully get to Payne's Ford. What are Rhino and Elephant rocks like? More of the same as CH, or worth checking out?At Quantum Field:The right side of The Cauldron, v4, Top Heavy, v3. Spantastic v3 Just over the fence at Spittle Hill, BEAUTIFUL EDGES v4, Fetish v4, Beatnik, v3 Tuppimaster standing start v3, Basilisk v4
Quote from: G.K on September 09, 2006, 10:32:47 pmQuote from: SA Chris on September 09, 2005, 08:04:05 amDoes anyone have any essential ticks in the lower grades at Castle Hill (up to V4ish) or is it easier for me just to get lost in a sea of grey limestone having a go at what I fancy until my tips run with blood and my forearms explode?Also any other worthy spots worth a visit, we will definitely be in Wanaka for a bit, and hopefully get to Payne's Ford. What are Rhino and Elephant rocks like? More of the same as CH, or worth checking out?At Quantum Field:The right side of The Cauldron, v4, Top Heavy, v3. Spantastic v3 Just over the fence at Spittle Hill, BEAUTIFUL EDGES v4, Fetish v4, Beatnik, v3 Tuppimaster standing start v3, Basilisk v4Cheers for the heads up, but it's a year ago that I was there. Would love to get back, but other plans this year.
I'd say that the Hill will be in good condition (allowing for the odd snowy period) from early June through to October. Gets a bit warm after October. When I lived out there I had no trouble climbing at the Hill a couple of times a week right through winter. Even with snow on the ground you can usually climb and the basin topography means that its usually dry there even if its raining/snowing as you come over Porter Pass. So don't be put off by bad weather in Chch or on the Pass.In fact, some of the best days up there where days when you had to wade through snow to get to Spittle or Quantum Field, but then found excellent conditions and frequently areas clear of snow once you got onto north facing slopes.
Off out there at the end of this week. Not a climbing trip, but I am trying to wangle some time at Castle Hill on the last day before we finish in Christchurch.If I go, I will probably be limited to doing whatever there are other people doing as some of it looks high and not really what you want to be doing without pads or guidebook (day rental of pad and guidebook from somewhere nearby?). Word on the street is that Castle Hill is for looking around at the pretty rocks and Flock Hill over the road is where to go for climbing. Is this true?
Last time I saw a pad from the Springfield cafe it looked knackered, the petrol stations ones were good a couple of years ago when I last rented them. If you're in Christchurch you could borrow my pads and a guidebook