Castle Hill Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive S.H 73 “The Great Alpine Highway.”
- Explore Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti.A guided walk around Castle Hill boulders.
- Learn about the cultural and natural history.
- Local guide.
- Small-group tour.
- Transport with A/C.
- Free time at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
Castle Hill Itinerary
Leaving Christchurch, we head west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. After 45mins we make a stop in the small farming town of Darfield. We will provide lunch and afternoon tea, but you might like to sample some kiwi cuisine or pick up a coffee from the local bakery. Continuing our journey across the plains, we pass through another small town named Springfield with its giant doughnut. Your guide will explain how the giant doughnut ended up here while snapping a photograph. From Springfield, it’s a 45-minute drive along “the Great Alpine Highway” to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti conservation area. The road takes us over Porters Pass (900 mts), past Lake Lyndon and through some High Country stations before reaching our destination. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is a maze of massive limestone boulders that sit in the heart of the Southern Alps. Once the area once covered with an inland ocean now sits at 600mts above sea level. The boulders have a special cultural significance to the local Maori people. The area is protected by Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection” to preserve and acknowledge the area. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, bouldering, and film making. Your guide will show you around the endless boulder fields and explain how they got there and point out the best photo spots and secret passages. Picnic lunch will be laid out by your guide in amongst the boulders. After lunch, you have some free time to explore, relax or snap some pictures. Meeting back in the carpark at 2:30 we head back towards Christchurch along “The great Alpine Highway”. The tour finishes back in Christchurch between 4:30-5:00 pm.
Castle Hill Tour FAQ’S
Can I do this day tour as a shore excursion from Lyttleton Port?
Yes, we are happy to collect you from Lyttelton port. Your guide will meet you at the Lyttleton Harbour Information centre (See on google maps)
Is transport included?
Yes. We will collect you from your accommodation or one of the meeting spot listed below.
Where does the tour start & finish
This tour starts and finishes in Christchurch.
Is lunch included?
Yes, we will provide morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea.
Is this trip family-friendly?
Yes, we are happy to cater for family groups on this tour. Private tours are available for family groups with young children on request.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommended that you complete your booking at least 24hrs in advance to avoid missing out.
Are there minimum numbers for this tour?
We have a minimum number of two people for this tour.
What is the maximum group size?
Our maximum group size for this tour is eleven.
What should I bring with me?
All you will need for this tour is your walking/sport shoes and active clothing. We will send you a full gear list after your booking is complete.
Where are the meeting spots?
-Directly from your hotel- any accommodation within 3.5 km’s of Christchurch city centre – See on google maps -Canterbury Museum meeting location- See on Google maps -Princess Margarate Hospital meeting location (free all day parking) – See on Google maps -Lyttelton Port meeting location (for shore excursions) – See on google maps
