Tom Rangitane
Head Guide · NZOIA Level 3Born in Whakatane, climbing since age twelve. Tom has guided in the Darrans, Aoraki and across the Bay of Plenty for fifteen years. He set the first ascent of Te Kaha Pillar in 2018.
ClimbVolcanicRock.
Book a climbing session →The climb
It starts with the rock.
The volcanic crags around Whakatane are remnants of ancient eruptions — hard andesite and welded tuff, sharp edges and pocketed faces. Every route is different because the rock was formed violently and cooled unevenly.
Gear up at the base.
We provide everything: harness, helmet, shoes, belay device, chalk bag. Your guide checks every buckle and knot before anyone touches rock. You carry nothing except water and a willingness to try.
Climb with a guide beside you.
Our guides climb alongside beginners on every route. You set the pace. If you freeze, they talk you through it. If you fall, the rope catches you before you even notice. The ratio is never more than four climbers to one guide.
Abseil back down.
At the top, you clip in and lean back. The abseil is controlled by your guide below and by the friction device on your harness. Most people say the abseil is the best part — the view over the bay is the reward.
Then do it again.
A half-day session gives you three to four climbs and abseils. A full day adds harder routes and a multi-pitch option for those who want more. Everyone finishes at the van with hot chocolate.
Routes
Where we climb.
All routes are within 30 minutes of Whakatane. Difficulty is graded on the Ewbank system used in NZ and Australia. Your guide selects routes based on the group's experience.
| Route | Grade | Height | Pitches | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohope Slab | 8–12 | 18m | 1 | Beginner-friendly friction slab with good holds. Morning sun. |
| Harbour Wall | 14–18 | 25m | 1 | Vertical face with crimps and pockets. Afternoon shade. |
| Moutohorā Arete | 16–20 | 40m | 2 | Exposed arete with sea views. Multi-pitch. Intermediate+. |
| Andesite Overhang | 20–24 | 22m | 1 | Steep overhang with dyno moves. Advanced climbers only. |
| Te Kaha Pillar | 22–26 | 55m | 3 | Our hardest multi-pitch. Full day, experienced climbers only. |
Beginner (8–14)
Intermediate (14–18)
Advanced (18–22)
Expert (22–26)
Elite (26+)
Gear & checklist
What to bring. What we provide.
Hire gear
- Climbing shoesIncludedSizes 3–14. Bring socks.
- HarnessIncluded
- HelmetIncluded
- Belay device & locking carabinerIncluded
- Chalk bagIncluded
- Own-gear climbers$20 discountBring your own harness, shoes and helmet. Inspected by guide.
Pack your bag
Select your session and we will generate a checklist of what you need to bring.
Your checklist
Safety
How we keep you safe.
Before every climb
- Health declarationYou complete a short health form covering injuries, medications, vertigo and pregnancy.
- Ground briefingYour guide explains the rock, the route, the signals and what to do if something feels wrong.
- Gear inspectionEvery harness buckle, helmet strap and carabiner gate is checked by the guide in front of you.
- Buddy checkYou check your partner's knots and your partner checks yours. No one climbs until both pass.
Our credentials
- NZOIA-qualified climbing instructors (Level 2 minimum)
- First aid certified, AED on site
- Department of Conservation concession holder
- $5 million public liability insurance
- All gear inspected quarterly, retired on schedule
- Maximum 4:1 client-to-guide ratio
Weather and conditions
We climb in light rain but not in heavy rain, high wind or electrical storms. If we cancel due to weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. We check the MetService forecast at 6am on the day and text you by 7am if conditions are marginal.
On the rock
Recent sessions.
Ohope SlabBeginner group, February 2026
Harbour WallIntermediate lead climbing
Moutohorā AreteMulti-pitch with sea views
Abseil experienceSchool group, March 2026
Meet the guides
The people on the other end of the rope.
Lisa Chen
Guide · NZOIA Level 2Former competitive sport climber, now specialising in youth and beginner instruction. Lisa runs the school holiday programmes and the Saturday kids' club.
Dave Edwards
Guide · NZOIA Level 2Dave came to climbing via mountaineering and multi-day alpine trips. He handles the advanced and multi-pitch sessions and is the team's rope-access specialist.
Book now
Book a climbing session.
Sessions and pricing
- Intro half-day (3 hours)$120/personBeginner routes, all gear included. Ages 8+. Min 2 people.
- Full day (6 hours)$210/personMixed grades, lunch break at the crag. Min 2 people.
- Multi-pitch day$280/personFor climbers with some experience. Max 3 people per guide.
- Abseil experience (2 hours)$85/personNo climbing required. Great for groups and team building.
- Private guiding$450/dayOne guide, your group only. Any route, any level.