Off the wall: Climb the Queenstown via ferrata

Off the wall: Climb the Queenstown via ferrata

The Queenstown Via Ferrata allows climbers to climb and scale otherwise impassable cliffs that rise high above the “Adventure Capital of the World”.

It's rare for a visitor to leave Queenstown, New Zealand without trying something that gets their pulse racing. We visited the “Adventure Capital of the World” as part of a G Adventures tour of the South Island and were keen to check out the city’s encyclopedia of adrenaline-pumping activities.

Named one of the best countries to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, New Zealand offers almost endless opportunities for adventure seekers, including bungy jumping, canyon swinging, skydiving and shotover jet boating (yes, we had no idea either).

While Kia went off to jump the 134m high Nevis Bungy, I preferred to try something that didn't involve free fall - quite the opposite. I chose the Queenstown Via Ferrata, a series of climbing routes that climb hundreds of meters up the cliffs above Queenstown on New Zealand's first via ferrata.

What is via ferrata?

Via Ferrata, Latin for “iron path”, is a bridge between scrambling and climbing. It is more exposed than rock climbing with better, unobstructed views. However, unlike rock climbing, it requires very little equipment or complicated rope work.

Plus, because the route is marked, it eliminates much of the stress that comes with problem-solving while bouldering. Via ferratas allow people with limited or no climbing experience to access and summit heights that would otherwise be unreachable.

Via ferratas are fully and permanently equipped with climbing aids to make the climb easier and increase safety. A series of iron rungs (stamps) are attached to the rock face, providing ladder-like access for climbing.

alt="Queenstown Via Ferrata Iron Rungs">DreamtimeA series of iron rungs are attached to the rock face

A steel cable runs alongside the route and is periodically attached to the rock (every few meters). Additional climbing aids such as pegs, carved steps, and even ladders or bridges can sometimes be used.

Via Ferrata dates back to the 19th century, when farmers in the European Alps used this technique to connect villages to higher pastures. It was then used to support the growth of Alpine exploration and tourism that developed from the middle of the century.

Later, during the First World War, the Dolomites in northern Italy were the scene of fierce fighting and via ferratas became accessible again. Via ferratas were used to gain control of peaks, establish observation posts and field guns, and support troops moving through the high altitudes in dangerous alpine conditions.

Queenstown via ferrata

Fortunately, via ferratas are now used worldwide only for recreational purposes. The Queenstown Via Ferrata includes 12 routes with over 300 meters of elevation gain and is just a short drive from central Queenstown.

The cliffs include a range of routes of varying difficulty depending on how confident you are. Starting at the base of a grassy hill, over 1,000 rungs and 500m of cable work their way up the eight rock faces.

alt="Queenstown via ferrata Queenstown">DreamtimeThe cliffs offer excellent views over Queenstown

It was late in the season when we were there, so there were only four other guests on my climb. Since we all felt pretty confident (despite the less than perfect weather), we opted for the more challenging routes and technical facets of the eight cliff sections.

We started at the base and were immediately surprised by some challenging climbing. It wasn't long before the sounds of the city below them began to fade away.

Surprisingly, the first cliffs, called the “Lowers,” were more difficult to climb than the “Upper.” The route included some dizzying overhangs where we were forced to trust the safety equipment and lean off the rock face.

One member of our group - a long-time vertigo sufferer - decided he'd had enough and turned around with a guide to accompany him back into town. It's worth noting that if you suffer from dizziness or are afraid of heights, via ferratas may not be for you!

The second set of cliffs, the upper ones, were not as physically challenging but felt more exposed - especially at the higher elevations. I felt more than vulnerable, especially during two traverse sections! However, the best views were found in these segments and I knew I was never less safe.

Similar to climbing and bouldering, the vibrant feeling of exposure and physical challenge of climbing is still present. However, when climbing and bouldering, you are usually so engrossed in the process of climbing that there is hardly any time to enjoy the view or socialize with other climbers.

During the Queenstown via ferrata, you can stop at any time, sit back in your harness and enjoy the moment: chat with your fellow climbers, take in the beauty of your surroundings and even take a selfie!

alt="Queenstown Via Ferrata Peter">Atlas & BootsYou can always sit back in your harness and take a selfie!

I've always enjoyed climbing, but I don't have the technique or skills to tackle the cliffs we took that morning. Normally it would take me a lot longer to climb such challenging cliffs and I would need a lot more equipment.

The Queenstown via ferrata allowed us to climb normally impassable cliffs while having fun and enjoying the scenery at the same time.

All in one morning's work in the adventure capital of the world!

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Queenstown Via Ferrata: the essentials

What: Climb the Queenstown Via Ferrata as part of a 15-day South Island tour with G Adventures.

Where: Accommodation on the tour includes 14 nights in basic hotels and hostels, including a farm stay and a night in a former prison. Some accommodations had shared bathrooms and bunk beds. If you are a couple, highlight this when booking so that you can have a double bed if possible.

When: The best time to travel to New Zealand is Sep-Apr. Summer (December to February) offers excellent hiking weather and a variety of festivals and events. The fall (Mar-Apr) and spring (Sep-Nov) shoulder seasons have nice weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

How: You can book a Queenstown via ferrata through your G Adventures CEO or directly with the company via their website, by email at info@canyonexplorers.nz, by phone on +64 3 441 3003 or by visiting their central Queenstown office at 39 Lagerstrasse.

Queenstown Via Ferrata tours begin October 1, 2018 and run through the fall (April/May). Sessions start twice daily at 9:15am and 1:30pm for $189 NZD ($129) per adult and $109 NZD ($75) per child, including transport and all equipment.

We explored New Zealand's South Island on a 15-day South Island tour from G Adventures, which costs 15 days from Wellington to Wellington, priced at £2,149 or $2,792 per person (depending on the date).

The itinerary takes you through the Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef and Queenstown, among other places. The price includes a full-time Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a simple breakfast and several meals, and numerous activities such as hiking, kayaking and cycling. For more information or to book, call 0344 272 2040 or visit gadventures.com.

We flew from the UK to New Zealand via Singapore and Australia. For longer stays at Changi Airport in Singapore, we recommend the Plaza Premium Aerotel Transit Hotel for those needing sleep and the Plaza Premium Lounge for relaxing away from the crowds. We took advantage of both during our 19-hour stay, as well as the free city tour!

Book flights at the best prices through Skyscanner.

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Lonely Planet New Zealand is a comprehensive travel guide to New Zealand, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Disclosure: We traveled to New Zealand with support from Lonely Planet and G Adventures. All publications say this, but we really don't guarantee positive coverage. We say what we think – good and bad – so you can make informed decisions with honest advice.

Main image: Dreamstime

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