It is a certain way of climbing, without rope or harness. My first time trying this I got some bruises and hit my head as you can read in a previous post. That’s now about a year and a half ago.

A couple of months ago my friends and I decided to go again to go Bouldering in Castle Hill (and the nearby Flock Hill). It is only a 1,5h drive away from Christchurch and the scenery is so different and stunning. I love that about New Zealand, you drive a couple of hours and you find yourself in totally different surroundings.

This time I took my camera and had some fun filming. I hope this video shows you why it is such an awesome spot!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRfYYhX9Cs]

The post VIDEO: Bouldering in Castle Hill appeared first on The World is a Circus.

About a year and a half ago I got (happily) dragged along by my couch surfer hosts in Christchurch. We jumped in the car, drove 1,5 hours and arrived in Flock Hill.

We decided not to go to the more touristy spot Castle Hill, but chose for Flock Hill. It is around the corner of Castle Hill, as beautiful (maybe even better) and way less people. We walked a bit uphill and all these rocks (boulders) appeared. Bouldering is basically climbing on rocks. No ropes. No harnesses. You don’t climb high, but it is very technical, all about trying to find the good holds and grips. It sounds easy and maybe ridiculous, but it is awesome and way more difficult than you would think!

And because it is New Zealand, the views are just amazing. So there I was, trying to find a route up some rocks, trying not to make a fool out of myself. My first time bouldering I managed to hit my head and scratch my legs, but at least I was committed!

Since then I’ve bouldered a bit more (this doesn’t mean I’m good at it), also at Castle Hill. Even at night. But that time we had a beer or two (or three), so I ended up more posing than actually bouldering.

And is it just me or are there figures in the rocks? I have a huge imagination, so it could just be me…

Castle Hill and Flock Hill are the perfect day out. Take some beers, music, food and have fun!

Ps: On the way back stop at cave stream, where you follow an icecold river through a cave! Check out the route here: DOC NZ. Pretttty damn cool.

The post No pain, no gain! Bouldering in New Zealand. appeared first on The World is a Circus.