Central North Island

A snow-capped conical volcano with cloud formations

Central North Island

The Central North Island is a vast area, incorporating numerous outlets for any adventure-minded person. Mt Ruapehu and the central volcanoes are ground zero for mountaineers in the North Island and offer spectacular alpine, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing and ski touring opportunities. Numerous high-quality crags abound from Waikato in the north to Kawakawa Bay to Whanganui Bay.

The Section

The Central North Island (CNI) Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club was established in 1987, it includes the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taupo.

The Central North Island and Auckland Sections are responsible for the Ruapehu Hut maintenance programme. Contact Michael Richardson via email.

Central North Island also has the main responsibility for the upkeep of Whangaehu Hut. Contact Dean Stringer via email here.

Link to the Section Facebook page: Alpine Central

Link to the closed Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzaccni

Check out or CNI Section Instagram: @nzac_cni

Meetings

Monthly section meetings are held 7pm, usually on the second Wednesday of the month. Please check the latest newsletter for any changes to the venue, but usually, they are held at Boulder Co Hamilton, 15 Maxwell Place, Te Rapa.

Courses

The section organises excellent beginner and intermediate level snow-craft instruction courses every year These are held at the Whakapapa ski field. Details are advertised in the section newsletter, or email the Instruction Coordinator for more information.

2024 CNI Basic Snowcraft Info Pack is available here

2024 CNI Intermediate Snowcraft Info Pack is available here

South Island Grant 2025

We’re excited to announce a $1000 South Island Grant to help one motivated climber from the CNI Section make their way south for a climbing adventure!
This grant is intended to support an aspiring climber with a clear objective—whether it’s ticking off a classic route, pushing personal limits, or exploring somewhere new.
If you’ve been dreaming of a mission to the South Island, this is your chance to make it happen.
To apply, simply fill out the attached form outlining:
• Your climbing objective or trip plan
• What makes this adventure special
• Why you’re a great candidate for the grant
Whether you’re chasing alpine classics, sharpening your trad skills, or planning a new rock route, we want to hear from you!
Successful applicants must provide a trip report, photos from the trip to be used on the CNI section social media, and make themselves available to speak about their trip at a CNI section night.
Applications close Sunday June 22nd at 8pm, so don’t miss out—get your form in and show us what you’re aiming for.

Application form: https://forms.gle/77CcMVLA71VJT2oh8

Gear Hire

Email: Michiel Kruit or phone 021 0466 833

Committee

Section Chairman and CCM Rep

James Lawson
Email

Snowcraft Coordinator

Contact James Lawson for Snowcraft Queries
Email

Treasurer

Marcus Bai
Email

Secretary

vacant
Email
TBA

Gear Hire

Michiel Kruit

[email protected]

Banff Coordinator

Emma Nicholson
Email

Newsletter

vacant

Trip Co-ordinator

Mike Greer
Email

Committee

Lars Brabyn
Email

Pinnacles 5 x 5 Challenge

Mt Ruapehu is excellent for honing technical skills on short (1–3 pitch) rock, ice and mixed routes, as there is some excellent and very accessible climbing to be had. A bit of a worry though was the lack of long full day missions, turning me into a bit of a drag on bigger Southern Alps climbs, so manufacturing bigger days out on Ruapehu was a bit of a sport in its own right for me.

Crag of the Month - Whanganui Bay

Whanganui Bay is the jewel in the crown of North Island cragging. If you think Paines Ford has the 'best low 20s graded climbing in New Zealand' title all sewn up and you haven't been to Whanganui Bay, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The classic Whanganui Bay experience and the original climbing is situated on Whekenui, accessed straight from the beach and above the water.