Trip Beta for my 30th Birthday

Well I turn 30 in February and would like to get out of here for three weeks. High on my list is New Zealand but I am open to other suggestions, as its expensive to get to New Zealand. I would like to spend the majority of my time climbing but would also like to hang out, hike, and/or relax and do it for as cheap as possible. Im not opposed to camping or hostels so any ideas/info you seasoned travelers have would be greatly appreciated.

I have almost no experience traveling outside of the country (Lame, I know) but I don't mind getting out of my comfort zone a bit as long as it is relatively safe.

As expensive as it is to get to NZ, my dad went there a few months ago and the exchange rate is in our favor

Need more info dude. What kind of climbing, how hard, rock, snow, etc.? I'd say go a month earlier and head to Patagonia. Or maybe Arapiles. New Zealand is pretty and all but the mountaineering and trekking is probably better than the rock climbing. Thailand is awesome that time of year.

i second New Zealand. It is a beautiful country and it will be summer in february. i was there Jan20th to Feb20th and im pretty pissed that i came back. It is the perfect place for the first international travel. I would know cause it was mine. the people are ssssooooooo nice there its ridiculous and they are all insane, they have no fear whatsoever, and everyone speaks english! We spent most of our time in the south island especially Takaka, their is a a campground called Hangdog: hangdogcamp.co.nz and its $6 a night camping, or 14 for a bunk. The climbing is pretty sweet (all sport) but takes a little while to get used to. i can describe it as slopey limestone. but their is deep water bouldering and its sweet as!! A climbing area in the town of Pohara is ten minutes away from hangdog and each climb has a gorgeous view of golden bay!! but the rock is kind of loose. rock climbing areas are all over both island so you wont have a problem looking for other places. the only thing that sucked in nz were the sandflies, but you get used to them. I have plenty of pics and their is some beta on this website. we found sweet towns and hostels so if you want to know more man, let me know. I have to urge this at least once: GO TO NZED. you will never regret it!!

Thanks Kyle it sounds like you had a ton of fun, Ill pm you for some more info later.

Fat Dad, as far as climbing I am game for anything from all forms mountaineering and fairly easy trad or sport climbing (grades at 5.9 or under) Trekking would be cool to. I think if I went to New Zealand I would lean more towards the mountaineering as the mountains look insane out there! I was just considering Thailand as I think I would save some money and I have heard its amazing as well.

Maybe think about British Columbia and some ski-mountaineering or ice climbing. While it is not going to give you the cross cultural adventure that NZ would, it is still a foreign country, eh! If your trip is bleeding over into March, some routes might be in good condition then.

If you really want to splurge you could also consider the Dolomites (fly into Venice and get all cross cultural for a day or two!) or someplace in the French alps.

AU ain't NZ... here's some stoke!

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Wade Frank wrote:Well I turn 30 in February and would like to get out of here for three weeks. High on my list is New Zealand but I am open to other suggestions, as its expensive to get to New Zealand. I would like to spend the majority of my time climbing but would also like to hang out, hike, and/or relax and do it for as cheap as possible. Im not opposed to camping or hostels so any ideas/info you seasoned travelers have would be greatly appreciated. I have almost no experience traveling outside of the country (Lame, I know) but I don't mind getting out of my comfort zone a bit as long as it is relatively safe.