Outdoor education students can climb higher than before, no matter what weather is thrown at them.
Whenua Iti Outdoors in Lower Moutere has just opened a new purpose-built all-weather climbing centre.
We were able to chip in with a Community Grant, alongside Tūpiki Trust, the Lotteries Commission, Department of Internal Affairs, the Whenua Iti Outdoors Trust, plus private donors, to help get the facility off the ground.
The new centre features multiple internal climbing walls, each about nine metres high, and is thought to be one of the largest open-air outdoor climbing centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its most unique feature is that it provides shelter from the elements.
Tasman District Deputy Mayor Brent Maru shared the joint opening honours at a ceremony last month.
He says it was a privilege to attend the opening of the new climbing wall.
“This facility adds another tool for the team at Whenua Iti to utilise in the inspiring and motivational work they do for upwards of 4,000 young people each year. I’m pleased we could offer some support.”
Concept work for the centre began in 2024 following an internal review of the existing climbing facilities on the abseil tower. Construction of stage one was finished on time in late 2025 at a cost of just under $250,000.
Pictured above: Deputy Mayor Brent Maru, WIO Founder Hazel Nash, Tūpiki Trust Board Member Ross Cullen, and WIO CEO Mark Bruce-Miller officially opening the Climbing Centre.
