Climbing and mountaineering courses for all levels

Photo by Mathew Denys

We run a variety of courses throughout the year to provide opportunity for members to grow in ability and confidence.

A group of climbers resting on a snowy mountain slope, wearing helmets and winter gear, with some waving and smiling at the camera.
Snowcraft Beginner & Intermediate
Group of people outdoors in a forested area, gathered around a person lying on an orange rescue mat, possibly receiving first aid or medical assistance, with some individuals kneeling and others standing nearby.
Mountain First Aid

Our rock climbing courses are opened in November and run over summer. Alpine courses are opened in May and run in July and August. Other courses are run nationally by NZAC.

Details for our open courses will appear on this page when they are open for sign up.

Person in an orange jacket and a helmet climbing a snow-covered mountain, using climbing gear and ropes.
Trip Leader & Instructor
A group of rock climbers, including a young woman, ascending a steep, rocky outdoor cliff with trees and fallen leaves on the ground, equipped with helmets, harnesses, and ropes.
Summer Rock
Topographic map of Sarek National Park with a clear plastic compass placed on it. The map shows lakes, elevation contours, and mountain names, including Gasskardåkka and Tjårråjåkka.
Basic Navigation
A person wearing winter gear, including a blue jacket, red backpack, and snowshoes, is standing on a snowy mountain slope under a blue sky with some clouds.
Other NZAC Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Here are the ones we hear most often. If yours isn't here, please get in touch with us directly.

  • Most trips and courses are open to members only. Joining is done through the NZAC national website, via the link at the top of the page. Annual membership gives you access to the Wellington Section, which comes with a wide range of benefits.

  • Somewhat. The section welcomes climbers at all levels, including complete beginners. The Snowcraft 1 course is designed for people with no alpine background, but are experienced and fit trampers. Our regular social climbing nights are a good way to meet people before committing to anything.

  • We run Wellington section courses for Rock and Alpine Skills. Our Rock courses are opened in November and run over summer. Alpine courses are opened in May and run from July to October. For other courses run nationally visit https://alpineclub.org.nz/courses

    Details for our open courses will appear on this page when they are open for sign up.

  • The Snowcraft 1 course is the recommended starting point for anyone new to alpine climbing. Run over several weeks of both theory and outdoors on the North Island mountains, it covers crampon and ice axe technique, self-arrest, navigation and mountain movement.

  • Trips are graded ALP 1 through to ALP 3+ based on technical difficulty and commitment. ALP 1 trips are suited to those with basic alpine skills or recent alpine experience. Trip listings include grade information and you can always contact the trip leader if you're unsure.

  • Trips and courses are listed on this website. Each listing has a sign-up form linked directly. Spaces fill quickly so it pays to sign up early.

  • Yes. A range of alpine and climbing gear is available to members through our online booking system. Useful if you're just getting started and not ready to invest in a full kit. Some items, like boots and clothing, are not available to hire.

  • Yes, and we encourage it for qualified members. We also run trip leader and alpine instructor training. The section can help with logistics and promote your trip to the membership. Get in touch with us to get started.

  • Trips, courses and section news are posted on this website. It’s a great idea to sign up for our newsletter (link in the footer), follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and join the section WhatsApp group for more regular updates. Social links are below, in the footer.