Top Ten New Zealand Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Everyone's heard of Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. Fewer know of Wanaka, an understated adventure center on the lip of a sparkling turquoise lake. Wanaka is rapidly gaining a name for rock climbing, among other things (canyoning, kayaking, horse trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, mountaineering, and skiing). The main action takes place in the Matukituki Valley, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown on Mount Aspiring Road. You'll find roughly 150 climbs across a wide range of grades, with more in development (some climbs are bolted, while others have natural protection), making the climbs, and the startling scenery that accompanies them, accessible to all—from absolute beginners to rock jocks.

A guidebook for the area—compiled by the Wanaka Rock Climbing Club to help fund local route maintanence—is available, as are gear, instruction, safety equipment and qualified guides.