Design meets Climbing in new Ōtepoti guidebook

A passion for climbing was Riley Smith's inspiration to create a dedicated guidebook called Southern Faces, as part of his Communication Design course.

Growing up in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Riley was introduced to the world of rock climbing by his Dad when he was 10. He spent much of his free time exploring the outdoors and getting to know the varied crags (cliffs) scattered around the city.

When Riley began studying towards a Bachelor of Design (Communication) at Otago Polytechnic he expected to end up designing graphics and branding for exciting products, but found his outlook changed as he progressed through the programme.

"I realised that Communication Design has the power to do more than just sell things—it can make a real difference in the world."

Riley says climbing in Dunedin hadn't had a guidebook for 25 years, which he believes contributed to a disconnect between the climbers who frequent the outdoor spots, and with the incredible landscapes they climb in. He was keen to encourage climbers to appreciate and care for these places, so they remain pristine for future generations.

This sparked the idea of researching and creating a detailed physical resource for the local community, as his major third year project. 

"Dunedin’s climbing spots are incredibly diverse: from dramatic basalt amphitheatres perched high above the roaring ocean to misty cliffs nestled within lush native forests," says Riley.

"Other locations are warm and inviting, perfect for a picnic on the beach after a day of climbing."

Riley sought feedback from the local climbing community, and continued working on the book in 2024 as an Honours project.

He was delighted to finally launch Southern Faces at the Otago Polytechnic Hub this month, which saw more than 200 people coming together to celebrate.  The event also sold special launch posters and stickers, raising more than $1,500 for the Halo Project.

It was a proud milestone for Riley, who says he thrived in the creative and dynamic environment of the Communication Design department, and gained a lot learning from and working alongside his lecturers.

"I can’t recommend them enough. Otago Polytechnic gave me the space to experiment, develop new skills, and test ideas in a supportive environment, which led to so many amazing opportunities I’m incredibly grateful for."

"One of the things I really valued about the course was the strong relationships between departments. This meant that if a communication design student wanted to experiment with laser cutters or sewing machines, for example, they were encouraged to explore those ideas," he says.

Riley insists his book isn't just for climbers, but will also appeal to anyone keen to deepen their own experience of the landscape when they visit the beach or the cliffs.

He says it's more than just a guidebook, and includes a diverse collection of articles shaped by contributions from Kāi Tahu mana whenua, marine biologists, geologists, editors, photographers, climbing experts, and "local legends".

Southern Faces: An introduction to rock climbing in Ōtepoti Dunedin is available to purchase online at https://wildlabaotearoa.myshopify.com/ or instore at Dunedin's Resistance Climbing and Bivouac Outdoor Dunedin.