Introduction
The Banks Peninsula extend east from Lyttelton and consists of the
following climbing areas.
Climbing Areas
The Fantastic Factory climbing area is located close to Crystal
Clearlight and both areas make for a great days climbing.
 | Routes - over 35 |
| Grades - 10 to 24 |
| Cliff Heights - about 25m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural and Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
Access
Drive to Charteris Bay (Banks Peninsula) and on to Bayview Road
to the end and then walk the 2km to the climbing area. Permission is
required prior to entering the property, contact the owner Mr Faigan on
(03) 329 4813.
The Crystal Clearlight climbing area is located close to Fantastic
Factory.
| Routes - about 20 |
| Grades - 10 to 24 |
| Cliff Heights - up to about 20m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
From Fantastic Factory walk about 400m south to the Crystal Clearlight
climbing area. Permission is required prior to entering the property,
contact the owner Mr Faigan on (03) 329 4813.
According to all reports this is a great rock climbing area, however it
does require about 90 minutes of walking.
| Routes - over 80 |
| Grades - 10 to 23 |
| Cliff Heights - up to more than 20m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
Access
Drive to Charteris Bay (Banks Peninsula) and park in the Ortron Bay
Park before walking up the the valley to the climbing area.
The Monument rock climbing area is well suited to climbers who prefer
moderate grades (around 18) and it's a great place to practice hand
jamming.
| Routes - over 40 |
| Grades - 10 to 21 |
| Cliff Heights - up to about 25m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
Access
From Banks Peninsula's Diamond Harbour take the Purau to Port Levy Road
and park at the top of the hill. Follow the track that leads up to the
climbing area.
Te Oka is a small crag and it's only a 15 minute walk from the road.
This rock climbing area offers climbs that are typically above grade
23.
| Routes - over 14 |
| Grades - 18 to 25 |
| Cliff Heights - up to about 25m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
Access
Travel along State Highway 75 to Little River crossing, turn right to
cross the Okana River and up Kinloch Road to the top. When you reach the
top turn right at both intersections to reach the sheep yards. Park on the
left and follow the tracks that lead to the trig. Please call the owner (Mr
John Kayley) the night before to obtain permission (03) 325 1025.
The Otepotu rock climbing area looks great, though a little overgrown
in places.
| Routes - around 30 |
| Grades - 10 to 23 |
| Cliff Heights - between 10m and 15m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
The Molmes Bay rock climbing area offers allot for climbers who are
looking for routes in the low to moderate grade range.
| Routes - around 30 |
| Grades - 18 to 25 |
| Cliff Heights - between 10m and 15m |
| Rock Type - Basalt |
| Protection - Natural Fixed (Bolts) |
| Guide Book - South
Island Rock |
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