Wharepapa South - some questions
19 July 2010 - 4:54pm
Hi guys, I've had a bit of a search around this site and the internet in general and I have a few questions about climbing at Wharepapa South:
1) What's the BEST time to visit? I see that Bryce's website calls it a "year-round" venue, but people say the same about the Blue Mountains and Araps over here in Australia, and it's just not true.
2) What are the chances I could turn up at Bryce's and find a partner? Am I better off bringing a belay slave with me, or is this possible?
3) Is Whanganui Bay do-able as a daytrip from Wharepapa South, or would I be better off moving all my stuff down that way?
Apologies if these questions get asked all the time, I did do a search first!
20 July 2010 - 6:10pm
#3
I think lambing season finishes at the end of September. Someone else might be able to confirm that. Give me a PM if you get stuck for someone to climb with - I'm based in Rotorua.
In case you haven't already found them, guides for a number of crags can be found at http://www.freeclimb.co.nz/
1. Wharepapa South area really is good year-round. On a sheltered north-facing rock in the afternoon you may be climbing with your shirt off in July. But short daylight hours mean you can't climb much after 5pm in the middle of winter. Summer temperatures rarely get above 26 degrees Celcuis so summer is nice, especially in the shade. However, Whanganui Bay is cold in winter so IMO Summer or Autumn are best as some crags will be closed for lambing in Spring.
2. Chances of finding people to climb with are probably better than even on a weekend or holiday period but low mid-week. Best to arrange people to climb with before-hand.
3. Although doable as a day-trip, Whanganui Bay is a nice place to camp for a few nights so it's better to stay there. Also, don't forget to visit Reporoa, Kinloch and Mangaokewa as well!