Female climber in purple shirt laybacks on rock Crete photographed from above — Jana Wold laying back on the crux of Transmission, Whanganui Bay. Photo: John Palmer,

Donate to help us continue our critical NZ climbing access and advocacy work

ACAT exists to improve access to rock climbing and bouldering areas around NZ. Since we began, we have worked to reopen Mangorewa Gorge and Pakeho, helped preserve the future of Waipari and Wharepapa Rock, gained a trial reopening for Whanganui Bay, successfully advocated for changes to health & safety laws, submitted on adventure tourism, stewardship land, Milford Sound legislation, and more.

There is still so much more to do – access is threatened or prohibited at many crags around NZ. Starting a regular donation now is the best way you can help us keep going.

Latest updates

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Climber on steep overhanging boulder with mountains in the background.

Caring for our taonga at Kura Tāwhiti Castle Hill

Canterbury : Thu 4 Sep 2025

The world-class bouldering areas in Castle Hill Basin are a great example of effective community engagement with a treasured climbing area. ...

Several climbers belaying at the base of a limestone cliff in the native bush.

Celebrating a massive community effort at Pakeho

Waikato : Wed 3 Sep 2025

Every climber knows the feeling: the quiet frustration when you hear a favourite crag is closed. For many of us, Pakeho was that crag. With its...

Whakaari White Island: we changed the law

All NZ : Wed 3 Sep 2025

For the past 10 years, climbers have fought a losing battle against crag closures, as a lack of legal clarity following the introduction of the...

Hiker with pack approaches a cliff reflected in Mangorewa river

Mangorewa Gorge is open while we work towards an enduring agreement

Bay of Plenty : Wed 27 Aug 2025

The community is working on building a relationship with DOC and Tapuika iwi to better understand their views and concerns and talk about the future...