The Big Climb Ascent of Tititea Aspiring
A 19-person ascent of Mt Aspiring along with poor visibility? For these experienced mountaineers, it only adds to the thrill of a backcountry trip with good mates.
Simon’s Trips
Rolleston Range Turret Peak
A fun, sociable weekend as Nina Dickerhof, Rob Munro, James Thornton, and Simon Bell visit the Rolleston Range at the head of Lake Coleridge and climb Turret Peak. This is Simon’s account of the trip, which was previously published in NZAC’s 'Vertigo.'
Living the Dream Life in Wanaka
Simon Bell travels to Wanaka to become a full-time climber. His family recalls the special time they time spent together and Simon's mission to climb as many Great Peaks as possible.
Paradise Found The Gardens of Eden and Allah
Nine days in the wilderness. Sylvie Admore, Helen Liley, Sam Richardson, Björn Striebing and Stephen Waite (Auckland University Tramping Club) meet Simon and invite him along on their trip to the Adams Wilderness Area not long after being introduced. Helen and Sylvie recall their memories of Simon on a trip that he described as 'spontaneous and excellent'.
Treasures of the Kahurangi The Needle and the Haystack
During one magical Easter, Lorraine Johns and Simon Bell visit Kahurangi National Park in NW Nelson. Lorraine vividly recalls their journey through a bewitching landscape and shares how it became a trip to remember.
Tararua Tramping Club Rolleston via the Rome Ridge
Once just a dream, climbing Mt Rolleston via the Rome Ridge now becomes a reality for Simon Bell, but it proves to be trickier than expected. Accompanied by fellow climbers Rob Hawes, Stu Hutson, and Daniel Rogerson, this account was written by Simon for The Tararua Tramper (Vol.83, No. 7) and followed by Daniel’s reflections on the trip.
A Mischievous Fairie Queene Her Ravenous Sandflies and Spiders
In an account of their victorious trip, Lorraine Johns, Nina Sawicki and Simon Bell tackle the Fairie Queene in the St James Conservation Area near Lewis Pass in February 2012.
October 2010 Rock Climbing at the Arapiles
Four young blokes get technical. Rowan Sinton, Mike Dalzell, James Collett, and Simon Bell spend a week rock climbing in Australia. These are the notes from Simon’s presentation to the Tararua Tramping Club in October 2013.
Two Peaks Barff, Dragonfly and the FOMO
Rob Hawes, Lorraine Johns, and Simon Bell climb two peaks during one long Wanaka weekend. In Rob’s account, he shares how Simon’s FOMO guaranteed that he didn't miss out on an epic climb.
The Secret of the Unicorn Dilemma and Unicorn – Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
To rope or not to rope? A key question for Don French, Dan Pringle, James Wright, and Simon Bell when confronting the massive Strauchon Face of Dilemma Peak on the edge of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Simon describes this challenging rock climb in these notes prepared for his presentation to the Tararua Tramping Club in June 2013.
Above the clouds Torres Peak – West Ridge
Reward for effort. Steve Dowall, Peter Dickson, Lisa Wynne and Simon Bell climb Torres Peak high above the Fox Glacier in Westland National Park. An account by Steve Dowall of their December 2014 adventures.
Mt Magellan Anyone can play guitar
A challenging 35 hour rock climb with a sleepless night spent anchored to the mountainside. Lisa Wynne and Simon climb Mt Magellan, a remote peak bordering Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Sabre: Trail runners, rock shoes and bare feet
After climbing Tutoko in 2012, Vaughan Snowdon and Simon team up again to attempt another peak in the Darran Mountains of Fiordland National Park.
Cook to Fox The ‘gTTT’ part 2
After walking in from Mt Cook village up the Hooker, crossing Green Saddle to Plateau Hut, Simon and friends climb Tasman and Haast before walking out to Fox township to complete 16 days in the high mountains.
Cook to Fox The ‘gTTT’ part 1
16 days of adventure climbing; Steve Dowall, Rob Hawes, Lisa Wynne and Simon climb Mts Cook and Tasman on their traverse from Mt Cook Village to Fox Glacier Township.
Tutoko: The South East Ridge
Vaughan Snowdon and Simon Bell climb Mt Tutoko in Fiordland National Park.
