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Jess's Top 3 Rock Climbs in The Southern Lakes
Jess shares her favourite "secret spots" for climbing in the Southern Lakes region.
1. DBEh? - Lake Alta - Remarkables, Queenstown
Said to be the first multi-pitch rock climb completed in the Remarkables, DB Eh? (yes that’s the route name!) is one of the classics climbs of the area. It's a must-do if you’re looking for a fun day out without a long approach. The route winds its way up 5 pitches (no harder than grade 16) along a wide buttress below Double Cone overlooking Lake Alta. Climbers feel like pioneers as they route-find their way through this enjoyable climb. The route offers a range of options to "choose their own adventure" through the climb. At the top of the 5th pitch you rappel back towards Lake Alta or scramble to the summits of Double Cone.
2. Ravages of Time - Chinaman’s Bluff, Glenorchy
8 pitches and over 200m of stellar climbing on a mixture of bolts and natural protection. The climbing ranges from grade 17-20 and is pure adventure climbing. Hanging belays, technical face climbing and cracks to eat up your rack - it has it all! There are some great lunch ledges as you gaze out over the snaking Dart River and stunning Glenorchy scenery.
3. Wild Orange Yonder- The Sundial, Remarkables Queenstown
If you’re looking for the perfect rock climbing shot, this is the place. With superb views of the lakes and snow-capped mountains, The Sundial is a unique schist outcrop, the most prominent feature being the arete, an enormous fin-shaped feature sticking out at the base of the Remarkables mountain range. While the actual wall only has a handful of climbs, this place is still well worth a visit. The most spectacular route is Wild Orange Yonder, a 30-meter grade 20 climb. You’ll be feeling the exposure as you cling to the arete ... Don’t forget to pause in time for your camera person to take a quick snapshot!
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