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Via Ferrata Takaka Hill

Climbing Routes

Via Ferrata Takaka Hill

Climbing Routes

There are three climbing routes on Takaka Hill. The first is a little training route to learn about the concept and to try out the gear, called "Skill Zone". The second more challenging one is the "Cliff Traverse", which as its name suggests involves a largely horizontal passage along the cliff. The "Cliff Conqueror" is a longer, more difficult, mostly vertical route on a larger cliff further west. Difficulty levels The Austrian grading system for difficulty is used here. A: EasyB: Moderately difficultC: DifficultD: Very difficultE: Extremely difficult
WARNING
Use of all Via Ferrata climbing routes on Takaka Hill is at your own risk!
Access is free of charge for everyone but you are totally responsible for yourself and must adhere to all safety rules, especially the use of suitable climbing safety equipment. Rules are described on this website and along the climbing routes.
Climbing a Via Ferrata is generally a safe activity if carried out with caution and respect.
The structures provided were constructed in accordance with the European standards, assessed by a Chartered Professional Engineer and are checked for damage regularly. Despite this, Via Ferrata Aotearoa Inc. is a charitable, non-profit club and has no liability for injuries.
If you don't agree - don't climb.
Have a Try - Difficulty B

The "Skill Zone"

• Length: 20 m, 4 m up and down• Time to climb: 2 to 5 minutes The Skill Zone climbing route is a short climb just 5 minutes walking from the carpark. It is intended for newbie climbers and kids to get familiarised with the basic concept of "Via Ferrata". Go there to try your gear, see how it works and find out if you feel comfortable. If you feel confident, move on to the "Cliff Traverse" climbing route. It's an idyllic 10 minute walk to get there.
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More Serious but quite doable - Difficulty C

The "Cliff Traverse"

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  • Route opened December 2024
  • Walking time from carpark: ~ 10-15 minutes
  • Length: 170 m, 25 m up
  • Time to climb: 20 to 40 minutes, times can vary greatly depending on your skill and confidence. Keep in mind that groups will generally be slower than individuals.
The Cliff Traverse climbing route is the easier of the two main routes here. You should always climb this route first! It is of moderate difficulty (C), is steep and exposed in places and will challenge beginners that are new to Via Ferrata climbing. If you make it up the first 10 m pitch you should be able to climb the whole route. The climbing is not technically difficult but the vertical exposure can be quite thrilling and will challenge beginners. Vertigo can be a real hazard on this route. You must be secured at all times.
The route features steep ascents, short overhangs that require arm strength, horizontal traverses, short down climbs and a 3-wire bridge.
There are three emergency exits that can always be used if the route is too challenging. So starting the climb doesn't mean you have to climb all the way if you feel uncomfortable.
Please stay on the marked trails to and from the climbing route. Download a large version of the above aerial overview map (0.8 MB / 2300 x 800)
Challenge yourself and be rewarded - Difficulty D

The "Cliff Conqueror"

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  • Route opened December 2025
  • Walking time from carpark: ~ 20-25 minutes
  • Walking time from top end of Cliff Traverse route: ~ 15 minutes
  • Length: 180 m, 83 m up
  • Time to climb: 30 to 60 minutes, times can vary greatly depending on your skill and confidence. Keep in mind that groups will generally be slower than individuals.
The Cliff Conqueror climbing route is the more difficult of the two main routes here but has a lot to offer. Only attempt to climb this route after you climbed the Cliff Traverse route and felt comfortable doing it. The Cliff Conqueror is of higher difficulty (D), very steep and exposed in many places and may be too challenging for beginners who are new to Via Ferrata climbing. If you make it up the first 30 m pitch you should be able to climb the whole route. The climbing is not technically difficult but at times it is on overhanging rock which requires a lot more arm strength than climbing the Cliff Traverse route. The vertical exposure can be quite thrilling! Vertigo can be a real hazard on this route. You must be secured at all times.
The route features two twin-wire bridges, two outward-leaning ladders, and the iconic Gearshop Skybench — an unforgettable perch where your feet dangle high above the sheer cliff below.
There is one emergency exit after the entrance pitch that can be used if the route is too challenging. If you are not comfortable climbing up this first bit then you should pull out here as there are no other emergency exits on the route after this one.
Please stay on the marked trails to and from the climbing route. Download a large version of the above aerial overview map (3 MB / 2500 x 2500)