Curio Bay

These climbs are on the back of the campground headland, between Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay. The routes begin off a wave-cut platform, broad but exposed to the Southern Ocean - a small swell and lower half of the tide are essentials for most routes. Extremely short (6 - 10m), and with variable rock quality, they nonetheless offer quality jams, off-widths and chimneys; not many places in the South Island offer this density of wide cracks! Sound trad skills are essential - the business starts straight off the deck, so sew it up. Don't skimp on the larger cams. All routes are trad, with bolted top anchors (Titanium / Sika 3+).
If you encounter Hoiho/ yellow-eyed penguins (Endangered) on the platforms - less likely since the construction of the Curioscape Visitor Center and associated development - enjoy, keep calm, keep your distance (50m is ideal), and note; DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN/ON THE CAMPGROUND AREA, OR WAVE PLATFORMS. This is critical for the remaining penguins.
Little Blue Penguins (At Risk - Declining) now nest on the sheltered side of the headland, and are often heard at dusk; Hectors dolphins (Endangered) may be seen in Porpoise Bay, or from the crag.