Welcome, Nau mai, haere mai to The Canterbury Westland Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club. Our website is updated regularly with upcoming events, information and courses. Stay updated by visiting out Facebook and Instagram pages too, and make sure to check out our monthly newsletter for the latest news and updates. Our website holds all the information for section courses, trips, meets, trapping, who to contact and much more.

The CW section stands as the largest section within NZAC with 1,240 members as of April 2024. The section encompasses the Canterbury Westland Alps, with the Canterbury Alps situated to the east of the divide and the Westland Alps to the west. The Southern Alps are renowned for their rugged terrain, towering peaks, and breathtaking landscapes, drawing outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, and adventurers to the region. The CW Section are kaitiaki/guardian of the Arthurs Pass Lodge, a 28-bunk accommodation nestled in the heart of Arthurs Pass National Park, serving as a hub for climbing, tramping, walking, and skiing activities.

Notices

Canterbury Westland Section Evening

Thursday 10 July

Jim Davidson

"We adventure into the realms of snow and ice. Are you as prepared as you think you are for those deviations from the plan? "

In this presentation we will hear what Jim has learned in regard to hypothermia and its prevention. A story of learning, loss and frustration. A review of some well known incidents and what they can teach us.

Thursday 10 July

The Cashmere Club

50 Colombo Street,Sydenham

Doors open: 7pm

Talk starts: 7:30pm

If you want to purchase an alcoholic drink from the bar, you must show a Guest pass. You can pick one of these up inside the room we meet in where they’ll be on a table near the door.

Everyone is welcome, you don’t need to be an NZAC member to attend.

UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETING (all welcome) & VACANT VOLUNTEER POSITION
Want to check out what is involved? Our next committee meeting is on...

Monday 7 July
6:30pm - 7:30pm
NZAC Headquarters (Unit 6, 6 Raycroft St, Waltham)

Secretary

The Secretary role involves taking the minutes at the committee meeting and typing them up and sending out the agenda for the next committee meeting. This role involves being at committee meetings once a month. First Monday of the month usually and generally only take an hour! Cover can happen for you on sporadic occasions. The role is small and doesn’t involve too much, you can get involved as much as you like with other events and activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a vibrant community and help others explore and develop the stunning landscapes of Canterbury Westland region.

Committee members meet once a month on a Monday. For more information please email Sam.

EAST WEST CLIMB FEST: 5th and 6th July 2025

The East West Climb Fest is back for year three and this is our first year to be involved with the festival which has traditionally been run between WCAC and CMC.

Fostering the bond between members of the Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC), the West Coast Alpine Club (WCAC) and the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC-CW Section) in our shared tūrangawaewae – Arthur’s Pass National Park. The weekend will include self-organised day trips on Saturday and Sunday, with a shared feed and entertainment on Saturday evening at the Arthur’s Pass Community Centre with guest speaker Jaz Morris.

The festival runs from Friday evening (4th July) to Sunday evening (6th July).

$60 includes 2 nights accommodation at either of the three club huts and dinner on Saturday night held at the community centre.

Sign up here!

General Information

Section Evenings

Members and the public are welcome to attend our regular section evenings usually held on the second Thursday of the month. Talks start at 7.30pm and the evening is located at The Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo St, Christchurch, That's at the Port Hills end of Colombo Street. Check out the calendar below for further information.

Trips and Meets

The section runs numerous trips throughout the year which are a great way to meet people and get into the outdoors. We also organise numerous meets for the CW community including Banks Peninsula Rock Climbing meet, Dunedin meet, and Aoraki meet.

Courses

We have a comprehensive programme of instruction in rock climbing during summer and snow craft in winter. Keep an eye on the section newsletter and website for more details.

Gear Hire

We hire gear out to members for a nominal fee. Our equipment is available only to NZ Alpine Club Canterbury Westland section members and you will be asked for your membership number on checkout; please also bring your membership card along with you when you pick up the gear.

Midweek Mountaineering

The midweek group are mainly fairly mature mountaineers who still manage to plod up a few peaks, usually on Wednesdays, depending on the weather. If you are interested in joining us, please email Pat Pendergast or phone 03370079.

Midweek Rock Climbing

Join our midweek crew for a variety of local climbing opportunities year-round. Whether you're up for a quick indoor session post-work or eager to hit the hills for some outdoor rock action, we've got you covered.

Section Library

Did you know that the section has its own Library and that you can borrow the books?

Arthurs Pass Lodge

In the heart of Arthurs Pass National Park, this warm little lodge provides a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains with peaks suitable for beginners to advanced climbers alike.

Bookings are required via the NZAC National page.

More Information and Bookings

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse

Notices

Canterbury Westland Section Evening

Thursday 10 July

Jim Davidson

UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETING (all welcome) & VACANT VOLUNTEER POSITIONWant to check out what is involved? Our next committee meeting is on...

EAST WEST CLIMB FEST: 5th and 6th July 2025

Sign up here!

General Information

Section Evenings

Trips and Meets

Courses

Gear Hire

Midweek Mountaineering

Midweek Rock Climbing

Section Library

Arthurs Pass Lodge

UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETING (all welcome) & VACANT VOLUNTEER POSITION
Want to check out what is involved? Our next committee meeting is on...