The Arboretum

(25 routes)

Place info

The Arboretum

(25 routes)

North-facing limestone crags that are generally weather proof. There are quite a few good climbs here at various grades, and a lot more climbing to be developed. The Arboretum comprises a set of crags about 60–80 metres high. Much of the rock is un-featured and routes tend to follow the large cracks which break up the cliff.
Characteristically the heart of Bullock Creek, in its Jurassic like setting, and its diverse climbing on rock that varies from solid-as to choss pile as you climb through the different layers of limestone. It offers up a handful of moderate multi-pitch adventures as well as some thought provoking trad lines. The Arboretum is also home to the notorious Gumboot Ledge, which has been described by one unnamed individual as "the best climbing at Bullock Creek!" and another as "it's as loose and dirty as the route developers." I'm leaning towards the latter, although Arc of a Diver and Plan B are both classic in their own right

North
Aspect
10 min
Walk in
100m
Altitude

Map, Topo

Type:

Crag

Aspect:

North

Altitude:

100m

Access:

: Follow the track from the Arboretum parking (gravel pullout 4.7km from SH6 with a rock cairn). Follow the vague track through long grass and "the mangroves" to the sandy (and hopefully dry) riverbed. Walk downriver past the Forum to a trail marked "A1" on a sign hanging in a tree (just before the log jam). This track will take you to Arboretum (left) which includes While You See a Chance and Nevermind the Bullocks, both of these
climbs will give you access to the climbs on Gumboot Ledge. For the climbs at Arboretum (right) continue down the riverbed, through the ever-changing mess of logs where a sign stating "Fun Climbing" hung between two trees indicates the start of a marked track. 50m further when you reach a junction, turn left on the trail marked "A2". Take the rock stairs uphill. Squeeze past a tree and you will have reached the wall. The mellow left facing corner crack in front of you is Crackerjack.

Walk time:

10 min

NZMS260:

K30 765 000

Topo50:

BS19 666 383

Reference	Name	Grade	Quality	Length
1	While You See A Chance	15 ,18	1.02	37m	11
	Intended as the main access route to Gumboot Ledge, but has some good sections despite the vegetated first pitch. Can be combined with Arc Of A Diver for a five-pitch route. Starts on the very left of the crag just after the track first meets the rock, following a wide crack. Climb the sloping slab on the right with bridging left across to the arête before engaging the crack. Steep moves past the third bolt to belly-flop on to the vegetated ledge, followed by a repeat performance to gain the belay station. Climb the unprotected crack to the first bolt (could be easier when it cleans up a bit); then up the wide crack with bolts on the right arête. At the ledge move right and climb the face and through a small overlap (crux) to gain a crack. Above the ledge large jugs on the right lead up to a steep finish under the tree on Gumboot Ledge. Lindsay Main, Jack Grinsted, 2008.
2	Never Mind The Bullocks	20 ,18	0	37m	16
	Starts at a wide crack and corner, with bolts on the left arête. Chimneying, bridging, lay-backing, jamming … all the traditional techniques. Above the chimney is a steep crux, followed tricky jamming to a spacious belay ledge. Unfortunately this pitch is very dirty. Excellent pitch with classic finger crack and jamming. Move right 2-3 metres to another corner and climb the crack to a station on the right, just below Gumboot Ledge. Joe Arts, Simon Courtois, 2008.
7	Black Sheep	18 ,19	1.02	40m	12
	Fun multipitch with everything from jamming to a jug infested roof. Can be done as a 40m single pitch but you will need to extend the first clip above the DBA. 8m left of Blunt Arete. This distinctive crack is protected by seven bolts. Can also be done on gear now the crack has been cleaned. Climb right and up through a juggy roof. Short but stellar pitch. Descend from the eerie belay station. Neil Silverwood, 2012
8	Blunt Arete	19	1.02	20m	8
	Clip the first two bolts of Rock Ahoy then wander leftwards up the vague arete. Neil Silverwood, 2014
9	Rock Ahoy	18	0	20m	6
	A wide crack 5m right of Black Sheep. A boldery start leads to easy climbing then harder moves above. Fairly well protected but still feels a little wild. Neil Silverwood, 2014
10	Fresh Bananas	19	0
	The Crack 3 metres right of Rock Ahoy. Bomber gear up to the ledge then place your last piece and pull through some jugs to a DBA Neil Warrington, 2014
11	Slanted and Enchanted	18	1.02	18m	4
	Follows the large pillar directly left of Nomad. Place gear in the crack to the left. The upper, more difficult section is protected by four bolts. Finish at the Nomad DBA. Neil Silverwood, 2014
12	Nomad	19	0
	On the left of the wall against the vegetation is this handsome hand crack. Good climbing, with bridging and jamming. Climb to a steep crack (crux) then follow the right crack. Step left to a DBA. Joe Arts, 2008
13	Short Story Long	21	2.01	20m	7
	Start in the small left-facing corner between 'With Friends like these' and 'Nomad'. Delicate face climbing Neil Warrington 2014
14	With Friends Like These	18 ,19 ,19	1.02	47m	20
	The climb is accessed from the flagged trail that departs the dry riverbed at the end of the log jam. Follow the cut rock steps to the left and follow the cliff around. The climb starts from a prow-like ledge next to the large left facing corner. Scramble on to a block and step on to the slab, tending leftward. Delicate moves past the third bolt (crux), then up the faint corner with a move on the right wall to gain the limited stance with ring anchors. Continue up an intermittent crack with bridging and some nice fist jams to a steepening but juggy top. Move right to the double ring station in the corner. Climb up & left of the belay through steep rock to easier ground. Pull through two more small overhangs before finishing at a magical & mystical belay. Neil Silverwood , Joe Arts, 2008.Neil Warrington 2014
15	Crackerjack	13	1.02
	Obvious easy crack climb with good gear in the corner, finishing at the same belay station as Neil’s other pitch. Neil Silverwood, 2008.