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Mountaineering Down Under - The Southern Alps of New Zealand
Mountaineering Down Under - The Southern Alps of New Zealand

From the high glaciated peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook to the steep granite faces of Fjordland, New Zealand is a destination for climbers seeking adventure and variety. There is something for everyone, whether you're into fun ridgeline scrambles or technical alpine faces. I'm going to share a few of my favorite areas and sought-after climbs below.

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The American Direct - Les Dru
The American Direct - Les Dru

Even in the Mont Blanc massif, home to some of the most impressive mountains in the world, Les Dru stands out as a peak of immense beauty and allure. Before my flight back to New Zealand, Andrew and I set our sights on the American Direct route up the west face. This climb was an accumulation of my time here and Europe and pushed me to the limit!

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Adventure Climbing in Europe - 4 Top Spots
Adventure Climbing in Europe - 4 Top Spots

In search of long, adventurous routes, Monse and I set out on a tour through the European Alps. From the Swiss Alps to the French Riviera. Here are my favourite four stops along that tour.

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Packing for a Multi-Day Ski Tour
Packing for a Multi-Day Ski Tour

This winter I went on a month-long ski tour across Switzerland. Here I share exactly what I packed and why. I also provide a free downloadable checklist for your next trip!

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The best of Norrona's Lyngen collection
The best of Norrona's Lyngen collection

I found the entire collection well thought out. You can tell the team at Norrona spent a lot of time balancing weight, with durability and practicality. Whether in arctic winds or under the baking sun, this collection is designed to ski up and over mountains, all season long.

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Untouched - Exploring the wild Caucasus
Untouched - Exploring the wild Caucasus

While scouring the Caucasus on Fatmap, a valley underneath the highest peaks of Georgia caught my eye. There was no information about Khalde Valley online, but it looked like a skier's paradise! Curiosity eventually got the better of me. With nothing more than a summer map, Pirmin, Franz, Martina, and I were in Georgia to check it out for ourselves.

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The High-Way

Last March I set out on a human-powered traverse of the entire Swiss Alps. Focusing on the journey rather than objective, I planned a route that would take me through some of my favorite ranges, and force me to discover lesser-visited mountains. I was joined by some close friends and over 26 days we boot-packed, bushwhacked, skinned, walked, skied, and climbed our way from Chamonix (France) to Ischgl (Austria). The trip was supported by Norrona and Radix Nutrition.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Kia Ora! I’m Ryan

Growing up on the West Coast of New Zealand, I spent my childhood tramping, fishing, and exploring the coastline.

As I grew, so did my love for the outdoors and I am fortunate to have based my life around my passion for the mountains.

The Kiwi Approach is a webspace I have created to celebrate the outdoors and my share experiences.

 

 Looking for your next mountain adventure?

I offer trips through Aspiring Guides, a guiding company based in Wanaka, NZ.

If you are interested in summiting one of New Zealand’s classic peaks, traversing alpine landscapes, or brushing up your skills on an intsruction course, please get in touch and we can organize a trip that will suit you.

Please complete the form below

Email:

thekiwiapproach@gmail.com

WhatsApp:

+64 27 355 8521

Current Location:

Southern Lakes, New Zealand.

Follow @thekiwiapproach on Instagram

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View fullsize Camp stream hut with the one and only @annaroseamos. No snow, no bridge, no worries. - @norrona @norseskis @gregorypackseu #welcometonature #skitouring #skihiking #newzealand
View fullsize I didn’t think I was going to make a film about my traverse of Switzerland because I was too busy to get any real footage along the way. After I got home and went through the videos on my phone, I decided it would be worth at least trying to pu
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View fullsize Les Dru south face bivvy. Looking towards Mer De Glace and Mont Blanc. When @dananananandrew and I arrived at this ledge, I was stuffed. After two big days leading and navigating the last few pitches in the dark, I was singing songs to myself to st
View fullsize Lyskamm traverse with @alajuuma Such a beautiful ridge! - - - #liskamm #lyskamm #mountains #mountaineering #climbing #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #mountainclimbing #liveforthemoment #alpineclimbing #alpinism #iceclimbing #mountainplanet #explore_
View fullsize A big morning getting through the glacier (Grenz) below Dufourspitze today. Soft snow and weak bridges nearly made us turn back a couple of times, but @alajuuma did a great job navigating the chaos. Wouldn’t recommend coming this way this seaso
View fullsize Taking the Cosmiques home after a great weekend climbing with @thefunhog three years ago. Heading back to New Zealand this summer. It will be sad to leave but what a great 6 month holiday it’s been! 😂
View fullsize Glaciers played a massive role in the tour I did across Switzerland. They were my highways, but the joy I felt skiing over them was slowly contrasted with guilt and sadness as I saw a significant change in their state since last winter. Black ice was
View fullsize Titlis North wall with @joel_pollinger a few weeks ago. After another great winter on skis I’m psyched to get back in the vertical again. Although, concerned about the state of the higher peaks of the Alps this season. Lots of wind and not much
View fullsize It’s always fun watching soft snow and @haglundgustav meet. @norseskis
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