Description:

Southern Faces responds to a 25-year absence of a dedicated climbing guidebook for Ōtepoti Dunedin - a region known for its dramatic sea cliffs, lush forest crags, and passionate local climbing community. But rather than simply filling a gap in information, this project saw an opportunity to redefine what a guidebook could be. The aim was to create a publication that not only guides climbers to routes, but fosters a deeper connection to the land, its histories and its people.

The approach combined practical route information with rich narrative content, supported by wide-ranging collaboration across disciplines. Together, the community shaped a publication that is as much about place as it is about sport—a guide that honours both the technical demands of climbing and the cultural and ecological richness of the landscape.

Visually, Southern Faces takes a crafted, intentional approach. A square format was chosen to strike a balance between functionality and design freedom, allowing generous space for aerial photography, essays, and diagrams. The visual language of the book echoes the character of the places it describes - textured, layered, and shaped by time.

A key part of the strategy was accessibility - making the book relevant to experienced climbers, newcomers, and even non-climbers with an interest in local history, conservation, or outdoor culture. By stepping beyond technical instruction, the book invites readers to think critically about their role in the landscape, promoting stewardship, safety, and ecological awareness.

The impact of the project has been significant. Its launch brought together over 200 people from across the region’s outdoor, creative, and conservation communities. The event raised funds for the Halo Project, a local biodiversity initiative, and featured a visual arts exhibition that celebrated a local artist and the climbing areas featured in the book. Since publication, Southern Faces has been widely stocked across Aotearoa, proving its relevance and appeal to a broad audience.

Southern Faces exemplifies how design can be used not just to communicate, but to connect. It reimagines the genre of climbing guidebooks by centring care - for the land, for history, and for each other. It is a response to local need, but also a model for how publications can spark wider cultural and environmental understanding. Rooted in place but outward-looking in purpose, it is both a celebration and an invitation: to explore, to reflect, and to protect the landscapes we are lucky enough to climb in.