The Nelson Marlborough region has plenty to offer mountaineers, rock climbers and skiers alike. The Nelson Lakes and Kaikoura ranges offer numerous stimulating and varied mountaineering objectives at relatively low altitudes, especially in winter. The Paynes Ford rock climbing area in Golden Bay is a New Zealand sport climbing mecca, with a huge array of quality bolted limestone routes. The Rainbow skifield is friendly and user-friendly, as well as providing good access for backcountry skiers, and Kahurangi National Park is a tramping wonderland, offering easy valley walks though to challenging scrambles and climbs. A lifetime of adventures is on offer to anyone who chooses to live in this beautiful and lifestyle-focused area.

The Section

The Nelson Marlborough Section aims to offer an exciting schedule of trips into the hills each year, and various training options including our very popular basic snowcraft courses (BSCC). We also hold monthly Section meetings between March and November, run a screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival and a photo competition.

Courses

The Section runs basic snowcraft courses (BSCC) each winter, based out of the Rainbow Skifield. In 2025 we also introduced an intermediate snowcraft course (ISCC). We also offer various other training options, such as alpine first aid in some years. Find out about upcoming courses here. 

Trips

Subject to weather conditions and trip leader availability, the Section runs a range of trips throughout the year. To join a Section trip you need to become familiar with a trip plan and complete an application form so that the trip planner can assess if you're suited to the trip. Find out about Section-run upcoming trips here.

Trip Programme Coordinator: Forrest Paynter - email 027 495 3598

Of course, members also undertake numerous private trips every year. Attending Section evenings, tuning in to our Facebook page and being a part of our member network is how you can plug into this.  

Gear Hire

Contact: Liam Sullivan – email 021 144 3792; Marzi van der Mark - email 021 293 9659

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Facebook

We have both public and closed Facebook pages. The closed page is used by Section members to plan trips, borrow gear and chat with others. You can join by entering your active NZAC membership number: Nelson Marlborough Facebook Group.

Section meetings

Anyone interested in the Section (both members and non-members) or its activities is welcome at our meetings, held at The Honest Lawyer in Monaco on the third Wednesday of the month between March and November, starting at 7.00pm. Upcoming speakers are advertised in the section newsletter and on the public Nelson Marlborough Facebook Page.

If you have a suggestion about a future presenter at our Section evenings, or would like to make a presentation yourself, do let us know.

Section Evening Coordinator: Ross Cullen - email 021 294 6819

Committee

Our Section Committee normally meets each month, prior to our Section evening public gathering. 

Chair: Peter Laurenson - email 021 446 725

Secretary: Marzi van der Mark - email 021 293 9659

Treasurer: Liam Sullivan – email 021 144 9792

Club Gear Loans: Liam Sullivan – email 021 144 3792; Marzi van der Mark - email 021 293 9659

Section Council Representative: Jim Davidson - email 021 648 085

Trip Programme Coordinator: Forrest Paynter - email 027 495 3598

Winter Instruction Coordinator: Russell Adams – email 022 097 6336; Jim Davidson - email 021 648 085

Instructor Training Lead: Russell Adams - email 022 097 6336; Jim Davidson - email 021 648 085

Summer Instruction Coordinator: Marzi van der Mark - email 021 293 9659

Banff Coordinator (Nelson): Leah Parker - email 021 456 905

Section Evening Coordinator: Ross Cullen - email 021 294 6819

Photo Competition Coordinator: Bruce Davies - email 021 238 3733

Section News & Media: Jasper Davidson - email 021 0910 2664

Marlborough Liaison: Ian (Marty) Martella – email 027 229 9077

General: Hoss Kohestani - email 027 408 6191

General: Seb Head - email 027 357 0050

Newsletters

All newsletters are in printable PDF format. If you are unable to view this format please visit the site www.adobe.com to obtain a free download of the software.

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