Nick Cradock

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand and now based in Wanaka, Nick started climbing in 1975 at age 17. He started guiding in 1980 and became a fully certified IFMGA Climbing and Ski Guide in 1984. In 2010, Nick was made a lifetime member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. 

When asked what he likes most about climbing, Nick replied, "Getting down and having a shower." When guiding, he likes to see climbers achieve their goals. Amongst the many experiences Nick has enjoyed, one of his most memorable is a heli-skiing trip in Patagonia. 

Nick has achieved numerous first ascents in New Zealand, been an examiner for the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association, and has a passion for ski guiding and summer high guiding. He has guided extensively in the Southern Alps of New Zealand as well as the European Alps. In addition to his legendary status for first ascents and descents in New Zealand, Nick's ski guiding has taken him to India, Russia and Greenland.

Uli Biaho, Karakoram 6,109m

• Third ascent, climbed as part of the NZ team with Guy Cotter, 1989

Cerro Torre, Patagonia 3,128m

• Climbed with Russell Braddock, 1988

Mount Tasman, New Zealand 3,498m

• Climbed the Balfour Face

Mount Hicks 3,216m

• Climbed the South Face

Alpamayo/Huascaran (5,917m/6,768m)

• Lead Guide, 2012

"We had a bloody brilliant time with Nick. He has a refreshingly ‘old school’ approach to teaching and was straight up about what we were doing wrong or not paying enough attention to—which we appreciated!"

"One glacier guide recognised Nick (pretty much everyone did) and raved about his impressive history of first ascents – Nige and I quickly realised he was a bit of a legend and we should suck the marrow, so to speak, with the time we had with him. We’d figured that at the beginning, after a couple of folk put a word in our ears, but it was pretty neat seeing the spontaneous feedback that he got up on the mountain."

"He was a great tutor, no nonsense, set us up with good challenges and made sure we were tuckered out and had huge grins at the end of each day, then topped it off with good cheese & crackers and wholesome meals."

"I was looking to advance my on-snow skills and test my fitness and both goals were more than satisfied. Nick’s experience (environment, weather, climbing, skills) were evident from Day One and made the trip. He pushed me beyond my comfort zone, while keeping me safe and motivated, and I have benefited greatly from his guidance. I would have no hesitation in recommending Nick and AC on future guiding/training trips."
Gary Lewis, PIC, 2019