In reply to Bobby Gilbert:
The only real climbing nearby to Nelson is Paynes Ford, and Pohara, still a few hours away over the Takaka hill. Probably a bit hit and miss if it will be decently climable that time of year, depending if it’s been dry for a while and not too cold.
Previously the nearby climbing camp, Hangdog, was one of the few places in NZ that you could turn up and often find a partner, but it’s a lot quieter nowadays since the council enforced them to reduce capacity, and probably again a quiet time of year, so better to try and pre-arrange a partner. Best option is the Golden Bay climbing FB page. NZ is more sport focused than Trad.
Feel free to contact me if you’re free on a weekend, I’m not far away in Blenheim.