Section Event
Sebastopol Multi-pitch Climbing Trip
Friday, March 21 2025 — Monday, March 24 2025
| The Basics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Event type: | Rock climbing | ||
| Start date: | Friday, March 21 2025 | ||
| End Date: | Monday, March 24 2025 | ||
| Registration cut-off | Tuesday, March 18 2025 8:00 AM | ||
| Trip organizers |
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| Cost | Members will pay $75 total for 3 nights accommodation (non-members $150) and expect to pay $60 - 100 for fuel costs to your driver | ||
| Participant Information | |||
| Who's invited | Members and guests | ||
| Attendee screening | Attendees are pre-screened | ||
| Maximum number of participants | 14 | ||
| Total number registered | 9 | ||
| Who's registered | You must be logged in to view participant list | ||
Description
Sebastopol Bluffs is a fantastic rock climbing destination in a stunning alpine setting. It is a major crag just up the road from the Club's Unwin Lodge in Mt Cook National Park. There are many great walls with a wide range of grades starting at Grade 14 and upwards. However, as it is predominantly a multi-pitch climbing destination we are asking that all trip participants will have previous basic multi-pitch climbing experience including the ability and knowledge to abseil/rappel safely on their own as most of the multi-pitch climbs require multiple long rappels to descend.
We plan to meet at Unwin Lodge on Friday night (21st March) and leave by mid-afternoon on Monday (24th March). Staying at Unwin Lodge for 3 nights over Otago Anniversary weekend gives us two and half days to explore the range of top notch climbing in the area.
The trip leader may decide to cancel or reschedule the trip at short notice depending on weather and conditions. The call will be made on Wednesday, 2 days prior to trip departure and you will be contacted via email or TXT.
Getting There
Carpooling is encouraged for both environmental sustainability reasons and cost effectiveness. The trip leader will put you in touch with those travelling from your area so that you can organise to travel together where possible. Trip participants in each vehicle will share fuel costs for the travel to and from the destination. Drivers are asked to fill up before leaving so that it is easy to calculate the fuel used post trip. It is the driver’s responsibility to inform their passengers of the shared fuel costs after the trip and send payment details. You could expect to pay $60 - 100 per person for 3 - 4 people in a car depending on location you are travelling from and vehicle used. A reminder that sharing driving is a good safety strategy particularly if you are travelling 3 - 5 hours after work on Friday or going home after a big day of climbing.What to Expect
This crag has a range of walls with climbs for people of all abilities but as it is predominantly a multi-pitch climbing destination we are asking that all trip participants will have previous basic multi-pitch climbing experience including the ability and knowledge to abseil/rappel safely on their own as most of the multi-pitch climbs require multiple long rappels to descend. If you do not have much personal multi-pitch experience but do have a climbing buddy who is experienced and is willing to mentor you then this will be considered on a case by case basis by the trip leader. Please get in touch to discuss with Eve if you wish to come but don't have a lot of experience.
You will likely need to be comfortable belaying a lead climber and climbing as a second on multi-pitches at minimum. A reasonable level of fitness is required particularly if you wish to do multi-pitch climbs which may involve being on the wall for 2 - 4 hours. This is not a training course and is not a suitable trip for beginners. It is important that you are able to fully manage your own safety on this trip as the group tends to get quite spread out over the big walls.
You can also expect the weather to be a bit colder as we are in the mountains so make sure to bring lots of layer suitable for climbing as when you are up the wall for several hours the wind chill and exposure can take it's toll.
If you haven't climbed there before, you can find all the details at http://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aoraki/tasman-river/sebastopol-bluffs.
Parents with young children are welcome to participate in this trip as the lodge is family friendly and there are options of activities around Mt. Cook that kids can do while parents take turns at climbing. However, if under 18s are to participate in climbing then parents must seek approval from the section first as per the section policy.
Possible Hazards
Falls: This is the most obvious hazard, and can result in serious injury or death. Some walls have rough, steep approach routes with loose rock underfoot and sections of exposed scrambling.
Falling Objects: Rocks or equipment can fall from above and strike climbers or belayers. Red Wall is particularly known for having lots of loose rocks on belay ledges.
Equipment Failure: Ropes, harnesses, carabiners, or other gear can break, malfunction or fail due to incorrect use e.g harness not being buckled up securely.
Weather: The bluffs are very exposed to the elements and depending on the day climbers can suffer from extreme heat leading to dehydration or cold windy/wet conditions with risk of hypothermia. Either overheating or getting too cold can feed into poor decision making and dangerous mistakes. Wind can effect communication on long pitches.
Terrain: Some routes have minimal protection or features such as ledges creating increased risk of injury should a lead fall be taken. Some areas have poorer quality rock, wet areas of rock or higher risk of rock fall.
Human Error: Mistakes made by climbers or belayers, such as miscommunication, poor decision making, incorrect use of equipment, or inattention, can lead to accidents.
Environmental Hazards/Medical Conditions: Allergies to plants or insects such as wasps/bees are possible and personal medical conditions such as asthma, heart issues or old injuries can flare up due to exertion.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Have a Plan: Develop a plan for your climb, including your route and emergency procedures. Know about any medical conditions or limitations in your climbing party. Allow enough time to avoid making mistakes due to time pressure - routes often take longer than you think particularly if you haven't been to the area before. Plan ahead to avoid mistakes e.g. take some food, water and warm clothing on longer climbs so that you avoid the temptation to rush later in the climb.
Know Your Limits: Don't attempt climbs that are beyond the skill level of you and your partner, and be prepared to turn back or choose a different climb if necessary.
Use Appropriate Gear: Ensure you have the right equipment for the type of climbing you are doing, and that it is in good condition particularly borrowed gear e.g harness buckles done up correctly. Never assume that fixed gear such as anchors/bolts are bomber. Always check pre-placed gear carefully before you use it. Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all club trips when climbing, belaying or even standing at the base of the crag.
Check Weather Forecasts: Check a local weather forecast each day before you go climbing, and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. Take water and sunscreen at all times and monitor your body temperature/hydration levels throughout the day and take a break if needed. Have warm/waterproof layers with you on multi-pitch routes in case of weather changes or accidents.
Assess the Terrain: Read the guidebook to know what to expect. Evaluate the climbing area for potential hazards, such as loose rock, unstable terrain or specific route features that could lead to increased injury risk if leader takes a fall. Think about turning back to another crag if you don’t feel comfortable. Wear sensible approach shoes...not crocs! Take care on wet sections of rock.
Communicate Clearly: Voice communication can be difficult on long routes so have clear pre-arranged signals with your partner before you start each pitch to avoid misunderstandings. Fill in intentions form each day so that trip leader knows where you are going.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention and be aware of potential hazards, such as falling rocks or other climbers above and below you. Take extra care when moving above other parties. Warn others loudly if you dislodge a rock.
Gear
Accommodation:
We have a group booking at Unwin Lodge so please let us know which nights you plan to stay if you aren't going to be there for the whole weekend. Lodge fees:
- Member $25/night
- Non-members $50/night
- Members’ children (5-17 yrs) – $15/night
- Non-members’ children (5-17 yrs) $20/night
- If you have a child under 5yrs you must book a room exclusively as below:
- 4-bed family room $100 members/$200 non-members
The Lodge is well equipped with full kitchen (with crockery ect.), showers, toilets and bunkrooms so you only need to bring sleeping bag/bedding, pillow, towel, toiletries, food, outdoor clothing and climbing gear.
However, they do ask that all rubbish, food scraps and recycling be taken out with groups due to the lack of consistent local collection services so we will need to plan for this as a group!!
Food: We plan to cook a shared meal on the Saturday and Sunday nights, the trip leader will delegate items for you to contribute. Please indicate any food preferences or allergies on the sign-up form. Dinner on Friday night is up to you (either eat before you come or grab something on the way as we will arrive late at lodge). You are responsible for bring your own breakfasts, lunches and snacks for 3 days. Be aware that there are not really any shops currently open at the Mt. Cook village so bring all the food you need for the weekend.
Climbing gear:
You will need at minimum a helmet (required!), harness, climbing shoes and a belay device/personal safety system/prussiks for abseiling. An anchor system, quick draws and rope is also recommended if you plan to lead climb. Everyone is responsible for sourcing their own climbing gear but we will bring the club's ropes and a few anchor set-ups. If you need to rent club climbing gear please contact Eve as soon as possible so that you can book what you require. Otago has a limited range of rock climbing gear (harnesses, helmets, shoes) which is free for members to use or $10 per day for non-members.
Other gear:
Trip leaders will bring a PLB & First Aid kit but please ensure you are personally well prepared for a full day in the outdoors including warm clothing and rain gear as it is a mountain type environment. As the group tends to spread out on the walls it is worth bringing a small climbing pack with portable FA kit, communication device, warm layers, rain jacket, water bottle and snacks with you as a pair while climbing for safety reasons should an emergency arise.
Registration
Click the button below to be taken to the sign-up form. If attendees are not screened, then you will be automatically added to the participant list.
For screened events, the trip leader may contact you for further information about your experience and skills.
The start date for this event has passed.