RDN_Whekenui.pdf Jul. 2014 | Page 6

Whanganui Bay Climbing Rock type and quality The cliffs of Whanganui Bay are ignimbrite. In some areas, the rock is welded and smooth, and is reminiscent of basalt. In other places, the rock is heavily pocketed or otherwise featured. Generally, for ignimbrite, the rock quality is good. However, there are a few softer parts here and there, which are generally to be avoided. Drive in Bank Area Isolation Area There is a lot of excellent trad climbing at the Bay, but tread carefully if you plan to trad climb as the softer rock can result in gear failure. It ain’t Arapiles! [