The New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival is back for its 15th year, running from June 30 to July 9 in Wanaka, Cromwell and Queenstown.

This year’s headline speaker will be British professional climber Leo Houlding, who will speak about his recent 35-day ascent of Antarctica’s Ulvetanna Peak.

Kiwi alpinist Chris Burke will talk about her Kanchenjunga (8586m) climb in Nepal, and her mission to climb all 14 of the world’s 8000m peaks. Kiwi climber Penny Webster, who recently completed ascents on all of New Zealand’s 3000m peaks, will be speaking about her life as a mountaineer and will offer an historical perspective on other climbers who have embarked on climbing all New Zealand’s highest mountains.

Also at the festival will be New Zealand filmmaker Simon Lucas, who will premiere his new film Mt Scott, about his recent expedition to Antarctica.

In addition to the line-up of adventure, cultural, and environmental films from around the world, the festival will also include informal storytelling, workshops, author readings and an adventure trade show.

Tickets go on sale June 1. More details can be found online at www.mountainfilm.nz.