Come and climb!

VIA FERRATA Takaka Hill

Information

Via Ferrata Takaka Hill

The Via Ferrata on Takaka Hill was opened to the public in late November 2024. There is public access and it's free to use for everyone! It can only be climbed with the right safety gear though. If you don't own this gear you can hire it for a small fee from the nearby Ngarua Caves shop. The Via Ferrata was designed to be suitable for the everyday person - with families in mind. You don't need to have previous climbing experience. Anyone with a moderate fitness and a sense for adventure may attempt to climb it. Kids from the age of 12 seem to have great fun up there - though younger kids may still go if accompanied. We recommend a skilled caregiver to additionally belay any kids younger than 10. There's a short and easy "Skill Zone" training route near the carpark where you may familiarize yourself with the concept and the gear. The main route "Cliff Traverse" is a 10 minute walk through a beautiful ancient forest from the carpark . It features three emergency walk-out exits. That means you can give it a go - if you are overwhelmed you can exit the climb early and walk away.
Climbing Equipment

Required Safety Gear

To climb a Via Ferrata safely you need a helmet, a basic climbing harness and a shock-absorbing lanyard with two leashes. Via Ferrata lanyards are Y-shaped and consist of two carabiners connected to a textile shock absorber via two arms. If you fall, the shock absorber will deploy, absorbing the fall energy and dynamically slowing the fall. The use of static lines, cowstails or slings instead of a proper Via Ferrata lanyard can cause injury in the event of a fall and is strongly discouraged. It is also recommended to wear gloves to prevent getting blisters or cuts from holding on to the rope or sharp rock. Simple gardening gloves are sufficient. You may hire the gear for a small fee. Check it out here.
The Basics

How to climb in this Via Ferrata climbing park?

1. Understand that this is an adventurous and potentially dangerous activity and that you use the provided facilities at your own risk! The climbing park is open to the public and free of charge but you are responsible for whatever you do. 2. Make sure you have the right safety equipment to undertake the climb! You will need a climbing harness with a special lanyard and a helmet as a minimum. Gloves are strongly recommended as damage to the steel rope can cause deep cuts.
3. If you are new to climbing Via Ferratas make your way to the Skill Zone route first. It's not far from the carpark and provides an easy short route for you to understand the concept and do your first bit of climbing. The Skill Zone is well suited for kids.
4. If you have climbed a Via Ferrata before or you gained confidence after learning the basics at the Skill Zone then walk over to the Cliff Traverse climbing route. This is the main route here at this stage (more to come). It's very exposed in places, it can be challenging, and will take you 20 to 40 minutes to complete. The times can vary greatly depending on your skill, confidence, and group size.
5. After completing the Cliff Traverse you may scramble down the rough descent track to climb the route again or follow the easy walking track back to the carpark. All tracks are well marked.
Information Panels

View or Download the Carpark Info panels

Download this as a big image (1 MB, 2500 x 1100 pixels) Download this as a PDF (4.5 MB)
Location

Where is the via ferrata Takaka Hill?

The Via Ferrata Takaka Hill is located at the highpoint of a mountain pass, State Highway 60 "Takaka Hill Highway". Enter "1647 Takaka Hill Highway" in your navigation system and you will be directed to the carpark. If you need to hire climbing gear then navigate to the Ngarua Caves Shop first. This is located 4 km or 5 minutes by car down the road towards the Motueka (eastern) side of Takaka Hill. Enter "Ngarua Caves" or "Ngarua Caves Lookout" in your navigation system and it will take you there. It's hard to miss.