Castle Hill: Kura Tawhiti - Guided Tour from Christchurch | 7 hours 30 minutes

9 Reviews | Christchurch
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (18-65) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Youth (12-17) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Child (5-11) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-4) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti- Guided tour from Christchurch
2 Adults x $273.92
$547.84
Approx Total
$547.84
Pickup included

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Gratuities

Overview

Small-group guided tour including lunch, transport and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing boulder fields at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. A day trip from Christchurch City into the mountains and back again. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status, “a symbolic cloak of protection.” Your guide will show you around. If you like, you can try bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time to explore the endless maze of boulders.

Itinerary

  • Castle Hill

    Visit the small alpine township of Castle Hill village. Known for its upmarket private chelates. The Village is a base for local snow sports in winter as well as mountain biking and hiking in summer.

    15 minutes

  • Darfield

    You will the opportunity to explore the this small farming township. There is a very popular Bakery serving many kiwi delicacies and coffee, a small art gallery and farming supply stores.

    30 minutes

  • Springfield

    Stopping at the Famous Springfield Doughnut you will be served Morning tea. This small farming town was given the oversized donut as a publicity stunt to promote the "Simpsons Movie".

    30 minutes

  • Lake Lyndon

    Visit this stunning alpine lake

    30 minutes

  • Castle Hill Rocks

    A Enjoy a guided tour and picnic lunch at the Limestone Boulders of Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Reserve. Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill is rich in local and cultural history and has fascinating geology features. The lime stone boulders are nestled within the Southern Alps (Mountains) as tell us that the are was once covered by a shallow ocean. During your visit You will have the option to try bouldering, a type of rock climbing that attracts climbers to the Castle Hill area from all around the word. Find Unique photo opportunities. Your guide will show you some of the best spots for great photos or you can explore the mase of boulders at your own pace and meet back in the carpark. Picnic style lunch will be provided including hot drinks. Your guide will find a nice secluded spot for you to enjoy lunch away from the crowds.

    2 hours

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour includes 3-3.5 hours of travel from Christchurch to Castle Hill following state Highway 73 (The Great Alpine Highway)

Free Cancellation

June 19100% refund
June 20No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

9 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    8
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 8 reviews with 5 stars

Not to be missed

Published on Dec, 2024

What an amazing gift from nature. Please do not drive past. It's an easy walk, and it is all so different close up than what you see from the carpark. Absolutely stunning. Around every corner the view changes completely.

It was a geat tour- Castlehill

Published on Dec, 2023

Everything was just perfect. This is not an exaggeration. The sunny weather, huge rocks on the hill(I kept saying “WOW”), the kind, informative guide, and the delicious lunch, so what else do you need other than these? It was one of “the best” tours I’ve ever had :)

Magical Day in the Sun

Published on Dec, 2023

Nathaniel was a splendid guide, a fount of knowledge, a provider of delicious food and a careful driver. The highlight of my trip to Christchurch was Castle Hill and the spectacular rock formations. If you have the chance, put this tour at the top of your list.

Great memories!

Published on Jul, 2023

I had an amazing time. My guide for the day, Nathanael, was extremely knowledgeable and shared many interesting stories about New Zealand, the area, and the Māori people. Castle Hill is magnificent, and it was great to walk around and spend some quiet time in its splendor. The mountain tops were also covered with snow which completed the perfect picture. On the way back we also had some time to stop to have a "world famous" pie - definitely worthwhile if there is time on the way back! Great memories! Thank you, Nathanael.

Nice day trip

Published on Jan, 2023

We really enjoyed our experience with our tour guide Sarah. She was courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. She really helped us see the areas of Littleton and Christchurch that we felt were important to see. Good snacks, bouldering, and photography. Great day overall, thanks !

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