Climbing Space

Welcome to The Crux Climbing Space!

Experience the only public roped climbing space in Taranaki, where fun, movement, and adventure come together.

Why Climb with Us?

Rock climbing is a brilliant way to progressively stay and get fit, build strength, flexibility, and balance, all while having an epic time with friends! At The Crux, we cater to all skill levels—whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced climber.

We feature:

Thanks to our amazing volunteers, routes are updated regularly—roped climbs are refreshed annually and bouldering challenges twice a year, so there’s always something new to try.

Getting Started is Easy!

Enter through the main building (next to the childcare entrance).
You can pay at the Climbing Space via cash, EFTPOS, or credit card (PayWave available).

What to Bring

Our experienced instructors act as friendly facilitators, helping you explore and build on your climbing interests at every session.

If you’re planning to hold the ropes for someone else, you’ll need to register as well and can hire a rope holding belt at the wall.

Registration

Public Climbing Sessions

Get ready to climb at Taranaki’s go-to climbing destination to try every type of climbing there is! Here’s everything you need to know about our public sessions.

Public Opening Times

  • Thursdays: 4:30–9:00 pm
  • Fridays: 4:30–7:00 pm
  • Saturdays: 10:00 am–1:00 pm
  • Sundays: 1:00–4.00 pm
  • Last check in 45 minutes before closing

Public Sessions are for groups of up to seven participants including rope holders eg 4 x climbers, 1 x climber and rope holder and 2 rope holders only, see Private Sessions below for larger groups.

Pricing

Ropes & Bouldering Day Passes:

  • Adults (19yrs+): $20 
  • Child/Youth (5–18yrs): $16 
  • Pre-schooler (2–5yrs): $10

Bouldering Only (low level, no ropes):

  • Adults: $16.50 
  • Child/Youth: $13 
  • Preschooler (2-5yrs): $6

Ropes & Bouldering 5 visit concession passes (valid for 6 months) – cannot be combined with other discounts

  • Adults (19yrs+): $90.00
  • Child/Youth (6-18yrs): $72.00
  • Pre-schooler (2 – 5yrs): $45.00

Bouldering Only (Low level, no ropes) 5 visit concession passes (valid for 6 months) – cannot be combined with other discounts

  • Adults (19yrs+): $72.45
  • Child/Youth (6-18yrs): $58.50
  • Pre-schooler (2 – 5yrs): $27.00

Equipment Day Pass Hire:

  • Harness: $4 (10 concession for $32).
  • Climbing Shoes: $5 (10 concession for $40).
  • Chalk & Chalkbag: $3 (10 concession  for $24).
  • F.D. and Rope Set Hire: $6 (10 concession for $48). (10 trip concession cards valid for 6 months and can be shared.)
  • Don’t want to hire, get your own through our onsite shop, free hire once purchased until yours arrives when not in stock).

Looking for a unique venue for your next event or group activity? The Crux Climbing Space at the YMCA Taranaki is perfect for birthdays, team building, school programmes, and private group sessions!

Private Group Bookings

Reserve the climbing wall with a qualified instructor for your group—ideal for team building, work functions, or large gatherings.

All Bookings Include:

  • Qualified and experienced climbing instructor just for your group
  • Harness Hires for all participants
  • Prepared games and activities to suit age and confidence/prior or lack of climbing experience
  • Minimum 12years+ Supporters to every under 12 year old is 1:5
  • for groups of 7 climbers or more;                                                                                                                                                                           Maximum 12years+ Supporters due to room capacity is 1:3.                                                                                                                         *Exclusive Room hire*

Optional Extras 

Group Climbing Shoe Hire $20 -$30 per day (useful when learning good foot techniques on smaller holds)

Chalk $10 – $15 per day (useful on hot and humid days)

Seated dining space for parties $35 – $45 per hour

$34 per hour – extra instructor

Pricing (per hour):

$75 –  up to 3 climbers and Rope Holders only as per ratios above

For schools and not for profits there is a bonus of +3 free climbers. (Private and School groups receive free Climbing shoe and chalk hire for these small sized groups only)

$110 – up to 6 climbers and Rope Holders Only as per ratios above

For schools and not for profits there’s a bonus of +8 free climbers. 

$170 – up to 14 climbers and Rope Holders Only as per ratios above

For schools and not for profits there’s a bonus of 6 free under 12 year climbers and 8 free over 11 year climbers. 

$220 – up to 18 climbers under 12 years old

Minimum adult ratio under 12 year olds is 1:5 and maximum due to room capacity is for groups of 6 climbers or more is 1:3.

$220 – up to 22 climbers 12 years and older

1-2 adults are required for under 12 year olds.

Get $10 off per hour for climbing rates when booking 4 or more hours of climbing within a school term.

Check our live schedule for availability here.

birthday parties

Make their special day unforgettable! Our 1-hour climbing sessions are full of fun challenges, led by a qualified instructor. Invite up to 5 or 13 friends, plus parents and helpers.

What’s Included:

  • Loads of climbing fun tailored to all skill levels.
  • Optional party room hire for $35 – $45 per hour to enjoy cake and treats after climbing (includes setup and pack-down time)

School Group Programmes

Bring your students for an engaging, hands-on climbing experience! We tailor sessions to fit your group’s needs, helping students learn:

  • Warm-up and cool-down techniques.
  • Teamwork through trust-building and communication exercises.
  • Safety practices like hazard awareness, safe falling, and rope handling.
  • Climbing techniques, balance, and critical equipment care.
  • Environmental impacts of climbing and how to minimize them.

Session Length:

  • 45 minutes minimum per group (up to 2 hours available).
  • For larger classes, we can rotate climbing groups with team-building activities in the stadium or squash courts.

Contact us for more information and to design a programme that’s right for your group!

Whether it’s a party, private event, or school visit, The Crux Climbing Space offers an adventurous experience for everyone. Get in touch to book your session today!

Join the Taranaki Tuataras Youth Climbing Club!

If you’re aged 11–18 and have a passion for climbing, Taranaki Tuataras is the perfect place to build your skills, make friends, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Why Join?

Our club is all about encouraging young climbers to develop their abilities at their own pace. Whether you’re looking to gain confidence with climbing gear or just love the thrill of climbing, we’ve got something for everyone.

Club members learn:

  • Safe belaying techniques
  • Climbing and lead climbing skills
  • Strategies for improving speed, endurance, and technique

For those interested, we also provide opportunities to compete in friendly North Island regional climbing competitions. These are a great stepping stone for more serious national-level events!

When we meet

  • Tuesdays, 5:30–7:00 pm: Top rope belaying and Levels 5,6 &7 lead climbing practice and more…
  • Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 pm: Advanced lead climbing and belaying, speed climbing and more … (Levels 8, 9 & 0).

Our experienced instructors act as friendly facilitators, helping you explore and build on your climbing interests at every session.

Membership Options

  • $150 for 3 months: Includes Tuesday entry and harness hire once weekly ($4 value) plus access to public climbing sessions (harness hire not included).
  • $72.00 – 5 concession valid for 6 months
  • Casual visits: $16 per session.
  • Optional Climbing Show Hire $40 for 10 concession (valid for 12 months)
  • Optional 10 trip harness hire for second session a week $32 (valid for 12 months)
  • Advice on when and where to purchase their own gear emailed on signup and when requested

Taranaki Tuataras is the perfect way to embrace your love of climbing and take your skills to the next level.

Adult Climbing Memberships (19yrs+)

Enjoy unlimited access to all public climbing sessions and more with our flexible memberships:

  • Monthly  $75.
  • 3 Month Membership: $170.
  • 6 Month Membership: $310.
  • 12 Month Membership: $500.

Members aged 16+ can also access the climbing space for bouldering during non-public times (6:00 am–9:00 pm), subject to an unmanned declaration.

Bouldering for Members

Bouldering (low level without ropes over mats) is available anytime for members outside public and exclusive or private sessions. After completing an unmanned declaration, members can access the gym between 6:00 am–9:00 pm when no other bookings are in place.

  • Keys can be signed out at YMCA reception or by texting 027 555 2857 in advance.
  • Remember to QR scan or text above prior to climbing and leaving climbing, lock up, and turn off lights when you leave.

Note: No instructors are present during unmanned sessions. Check availability here.

Ready to climb? Pre-register for sessions (required for climbers 14+) and join us at The Crux for an unforgettable climbing experience!

Looking to level up your climbing skills? The Crux Climbing Gym offers a variety of workshops and courses for climbers of all abilities to boost confidence, technique, and gear knowledge.

climbing Skill Workshops (14yrs+)

crux practical roped climbing skills series aug/sept 2026

 

Location: Crux Climbing Space – 83 Liardet St, New Plymouth, New Zealand 4030

Each Session Duration: 2 hr 30 min

Open to: First four sessions open to anyone, see requirements on others

Bonus: Meet others with a passion for lifelong learning in a supportive environment!

Casual Cost: $40 per 2.5 hour session
Member/Volunteer/14-18yrs cost: $31.25 per 2.5 hr session

Any four times 2.5hr sessions Winter/Spring 2026 Series Prices:
-$120 Casual (includes above plus a free one-month membership worth $75)
-$93.75 Members price

All Price options Include:
• Entry to climbing space with use of ropes
• Harness hire
• Climbing shoe hire
• Chalk and chalk bag hire
• minimum of 1:5 experienced instructor to learner ratio

Ask questions or book a spot by Texting 027 555 2857 with your full name and email address or email us on climbing@ymcataranaki.org.nz

intro to roped climbing – friday 14th august 6.30 – 9.00 pm

Beginner Series 1 of 4
(No Prior experience required) 

Covering:

  • 2 minute mobility warmup
  • Basic hazards and their controls & safe falling
  • Practical demonstration of brief history of climbing
  • 5 step belay technique with a grigri and practice falling
  • Fit a harness, helmet and carabiner, slings and their commonly named features
  • Being safe near an edge
  • 5 minute deep stretch warm down

Foundation Skills for Lead – Friday 14th August 6:30-9pm

Beginner Series 2 of 4
Intermediate Series 1 of 4
(No Prior experience required although beginner session one helpful if climbed less than 6 months)

Covering:

  • 5 minute warmup routine for easy to moderate climbing
  • Confidence using a friction device(ATC type) with back up rope holding
  • Safety inspection of helmet, harness, rope and anchors
  •  2 step calls
  • Leading with feet, t-rex challenge
  • Foot placement
  • Flaking a rope
  • Stable dynamic belay stance
  • Practice leading

Improving Climbing Technique – Monday 24th August 6:00-8:30pm

Beginner Series 3 of 4
Intermediate Series 2 of 4
Advanced Series 1 of 4
(No Prior experience required although two previous beginner sessions helpful if climbed less than 12 months)

 

Covering:

  • 10 minute three step warm up including silent feet traverse
  • Down climbing and down rope holding on a friction device(ATC type)
  • Tie in to climb or anchor with a rethreaded double eight
  • Be confident with at least five different foot and 3 different movement techniques out of a total of 15 non-crack climbing techniques(for crack climbing we suggest getting an outdoor climbing mentor as its outside the scope of our facility and expertise)
  • Combining individual techniques with momentum

Lead Confidently – Wednesday 26th August 6:00-8:30pm

Beginner Series 4 of 4
Intermediate Series 3 of 4
Advanced Series 2 of 4
(Must be proficient in use of friction type device for top rope before the start of this skills session)

 

Covering:

  • Understand and explain to others Fall Factors
  • Safe roped falling technique
  • Basic dynamic belaying using a friction device for lead and four types of back up
  • Know and use 3 different passive resting techniques
  • Know and use 3 different active resting techniques
  • Set a SMART goal to improve your climbing skills

Advanced Lead – Friday 4th September 6:30-9pm

Intermediate Series 4 of 4
Advanced Series 3 of 4
final fourth advanced series session -Training indoors for self rescue, top belay and multipitch – dates and times skills covered TBC.
(Must have 6 months experience lead climbing or completed previous session before the start of this skills session)

 

 

 

Covering:

  • Tie two prusiks of choice and ascend rope 3 metres and  descend 3 metres with redundancy and two types of backup.
  • Quick feeding an assisted braking device safely for down climbing or lead climbing
  • Improving a hand and foot sequence by planning backwards from the crux and interpretive memory dance
  • Breathing and Mental strategies for climbing –
    Setup a basic two point anchor using SERENE

Looking for a fun and exciting activity for your tamariki? Our climbing clubs for kids aged 2–13 are designed to build confidence, skills, and friendships in a safe and supportive environment.

5–13 yrs nga Moko Mangaeka

Help your child grow their passion for climbing! Perfect for tamariki aged 6–13 (and 5-year-olds, when with a parent/guardian present). 

class options:

5–10yrs – Developing Technique & Balance (Levels 2–4):

  • Focus on climbing techniques and balance, preparing for lead climbing skills.
  • When: Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 pm (during term time).

8–13yrs – Strength & Equipment (Levels 3–5):

  • Advance with bouldering, spotting, and belaying using an ATC.
  • When: Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 pm (during term time).

8-13yrs – Resting and Endurance (Levels 4 – 6):

  •  Lead Climbing and Belaying
  • When: Wednesday 4.30 – 5.30 pm or Wednesday 2 hour option 3.30 – 5.30 pm 

cost

  • $145 for a 12-week membership 
  • $93 for a 6-week membership.
  • $54 add on membership for the extra two hour class option only on Wednesdays
  • Casual option: $20 per session (counts toward membership if joined later).

Membership includes access to one class and unlimited public sessions and includes one harness hire a week.

2–7yrs Flying Kiwis Climbing Club

Introduce your little one to the joy of climbing! This club is tailored for tamariki aged 2–7, along with their parents, guardians, or older siblings.

  • Learn safe falling techniques and acknowledge risks through fun games and demonstrations.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling, who can also climb at the preschooler rate!

When: Tuesdays 3.30 – 4.30 pm.

cost

  • $14 per climber (includes harness hire).
  • $2 rope holder belt hire for 12 years + rope holder only
  • $69.00 for a 5-trip entry/ harness/belay belt pass concession (valid for 6 months, includes 10% off entry and 20 % off gear hire).

Give your tamariki the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and most importantly—have fun! Ready to join? Contact us to sign up today!

See poster below of skills and confidence levels we focus on

ready to climb?