HangDog Climbing Centre — Attraction in Wellington

I can only speak to the bouldering section. Training area is above average but is only climbing training as far as I was shown.

Overall the grading/difficulty seems quite strange compared to Christchurch, Auckland climbing gyms I have visited and the outdoors bouldering I have done. The jump from their blue tape (5th spot out of the 8 difficultys, was told this was v2 and feels correct) to the next one up orange is very significant the next jump to the red makes them just as approachable depending on your style and strengths.

There are 2 rooms one small and one larger. The smaller room is filled with slabs and verticals and is great for beginners and kids, then the larger great for everyone with some good overhangs as well.

The routes themselves do have variety and if you're into powerful climbs, slow balancing climbs, etc there is an option even if you have an injury on a leg/arm/shoulder there is enough variety to work around it comfortably for a few sessions.

The downside of this variety is climbs are very crowded and I found certain moves I wanted to do, blocked by other climbs big holds. Due to them being limited on space I understand them wanting to prioritize variety but it's still no ideal as it either limits options or increase injurie chance.

As I was just passing through for a few sessions I am not sure how often they reset a wall but alot of the climbs best footholds have become polished and in some areas the wall has also become slippery and you can see this from photos others have posted and while this is on the easier climbs mostly and can be worked around for intermediate climbers, it will make a difference for beginners. Another thing I noted is the mats due to the outside material do pile chalk which end up on your shoes yet the mats can get bar floor sticky also depending on the area.

Avoid peak times if possible as they can get crowded easily due to the size and available space for people to be.

Seems okay as somewhere to go a few times but I would struggle to enjoy this...

I go off-peak bouldering at least twice a week. The staff are friendly, the holds are kept clean and the routes are well maintained and changed regularly. There are 2 large main bouldering areas and a three caves, and the largest of the bouldering areas is kept child-free most of the time.

There is plenty of seated and heated space to rest between climbs and study the problems, and the atmosphere there is extremely friendly and open.

The hire shoes are almost all La Sportiva Tarantulas, which are a top-quality comfortable beginner shoe, and they offer good discounts for members when you come to buy your own from their small, but well-stocked shop.

If I was forced to find any fault, it would be that the climbs are only rated by local difficulty (coloured tape) and not by any internationally recognised grading system.

Best climbing in the Wellington...

If you have little ones and you wanted to introduce them to rock climbing- you have found the spot. We went with our 4y old and 7y old and this was their 1st time trying this out. Brook was just amazing with the kids - teaching them patiently and explained how to get started. All we really took was a bottle of water and wore comfortable cloths - everything else can be hired. It’s a fantastic thing to do if you are visiting Wellington like us with kids/ without. For residents of Wellington - I am envious that you have such an amazing spot. They do loads of programs for kids and adults of all ages. Both my kids were climbing in no time with my 7y old finishing half way up the wall. Thank you for a...