Bouldering Castle Hill

You will be picked up from your accommodation or from our meeting point outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, Christchurch.
We start our adventure by traveling west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. We make a stop after 45mins at the “The famous Sheffield Pie Shop” (Lunch is provided but you might like to sample a classic Kiwi pie) before continuing our journey to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Castle Hill & Cave Stream Tour Highlights Scenic drive S.H 73 “the Great Alpine Highway” Visit Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Guided caving trip through “Cave Stream” Local guide Itinerary
Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders that sit in the Craigieburn Basin, an area surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Known internationally as world-class climbing, bouldering, and film making destination; it’s well worth a visit.
Your guide will show you around if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill.

Afternoon - Cave Stream
We will meet back at the carpark at 1:00 pm and make our way to Cave Stream, just 10 mins drive from Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. It will take us approximately 45mins to make our way through the 594 meters of limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water up-stream, through the winding chambers and small waterfalls. The final section has a 3-meter fixed ladder to climb past the largest waterfall as we exit the cave.
Not interested in caving? Not to worry, the stunning landscape used for filming The Chronicles of Narnia” surround us here. You’re welcome to explore the paths and trails in the area or sit and relax with some afternoon tea in this very peaceful landscape.
We follow the “great Alpine Highway” back to Christchurch casting our eyes over the massive Torlesse Range and iconic “Gap”.
Your guide will drop you back at your accommodation in Christchurch, at the airport or in the city center.

You will be picked up from your accommodation or from our meeting point outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, Christchurch.
We start our adventure by travelling west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. We make a stop after 45mins at the Darfield Bakery or Sheffield Pie shop to collect our lunch. (Lunch is provided). After a short break, we continue our journey to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Castle Hill & Cave Stream Tour Highlights Scenic drive S.H 73 “the Great Alpine Highway” Visit Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Guided caving trip through “Cave Stream” Local guide

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders that sit in the Craigieburn Basin, an area surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Known internationally as world-class climbing, bouldering, and film making destination; it’s well worth a visit.
Your guide will show you around if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill.

Lunch - Provided at Castle Hill
Afternoon - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
You will have free time to explore the endless maze of boulders at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti after lunch until 2:30 PM. You will be dropped back to your accommodation or back at the Canterbury Musem at the end of the day.

You will be picked up from your accommodation or from our meeting point in central Christchurch or at the port in Lyttelton.
We start our adventure by traveling west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. We make a stop after 45 minutes at the the famous "Sheffield Pie Shop” (lunch is provided but you might like to sample a classic Kiwi pie) before continuing our journey. Castle Hill & Cave Stream Tour Highlights Scenic drive S.H 73 “the Great Alpine Highway” Guided caving trip through “Cave Stream” Visit Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Local guide

Itinerary


Cave Stream
Once arriving at Cave Stream, your guide will kit you out with caving gear and provide a safety briefing before heading down to the cave entrance. The 600-meter limestone cave follows an underground river and takes most groups 45-60 minutes to complete. Inside the limestone cave, the crystal-clear water flows through large chambers and over small waterfall steps. The cave gets as narrow as a standard hallway, and you can always stand up inside. The final section has a 5-meter fixed ladder to climb past the largest waterfall as we exit the cave. This is a favourite of children and adults and a great way to spend a family day out. Please check our website for age requirements on this trip.
Back at the car park, hot drinks and a picnic lunch will be provided while you enjoy the mountain views. From here, it’s a short drive to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti.
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders that sits in the Craigieburn Basin, an area surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “a symbolic cloak of protection”. Known internationally as a world class climbing, bouldering and film making destination; it’s well worth a visit.
Your guide will show you around, and if you like, you can try bouldering and test your climbing skills or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders.
On the way back, a short break in Springfield allows for a photo with the giant doughnut, the history of which your guide will explain. Once back in town, you will be dropped off at your accommodation or pickup point.