Castle Hill Guided Shore Excursion

On this scenic guided shore excursion, we’ll explore one of Canterbury’s natural wonders, Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti. We’ll travel along the “Great Alpine Highway”, capturing the stunning views of the Canterbury Plains before making a stop in the rural town of Darfield for local treats. In Springfield, we’ll visit the giant doughnut statue and then traverse Porter’s Pass to reach the incredible boulder fields of Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti. Your local qualified guide will provide insights into the area’s cultural and geographical significance before a picnic lunch. We’ll then have time to explore the area at leisure before heading back to the port. This is a must-do trip for anyone visiting New Zealand.

Castle Hill Shore Excursion Highlights
  • Scenic drive S.H 73 “The Great Alpine Highway.”
  • Explore Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti.
  • 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 Tāwhiti
Castle Hill Itinerary

Leaving Lyttelton, we head west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. After 45 minutes, we 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 Tāwhiti conservation area. The road takes us over Porters Pass (900 m), past Lake Lyndon and through some High Country stations before reaching our destination. Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti is a maze of massive limestone boulders that sit in the heart of the Southern Alps. Once covered with an inland ocean, the area now sits 600m above sea level. The boulders have a special cultural significance to the local Māori 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 filmmaking. 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. Your guide will lay out a picnic lunch amongst the boulders. After lunch, you have some free time to explore, relax or snap some pictures. Meeting back in the carpark we head back towards Christchurch along “The Great Alpine Highway”. The tour finishes back Lyttelton in time for your cruise ship departure.

Key Info

  • alarm Duration: 480
  • person Age: All Ages
  • people Group Size: Min 1 Max 8

info Information

  • Available for all ages
  • Packages start from NZ$499.00pp

Address: Castle Hill, Canterbury Region

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question_answer Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the minimum age for Rock Climbing at Castle Hill?

    The minimum age for Rock Climbing at Castle Hill is suitable for all ages.

  • How long does an Rock Climbing session at Castle Hill last?

    The average Rock Climbing session at our Castle Hill centre is 8 to 9 hour.

  • Is Rock Climbing Castle Hill open for bookings during the week?

    Absolutely, however Rock Climbing is busiest at the weekend - and our Castle Hill centre is no exception. This means you might need a larger group monday through friday.

  • Is Rock Climbing Castle Hill open for bookings at weekends?

    Rock Climbing at Castle Hill is busiest at the weekends so we'd definitely recommend booking in advance! Obviously, we'll always try to accommodate last minute Rock Climbing bookings but once the spots are booked up they are booked up!

  • How popular is the Rock Climbing Castle Hill center?

    Geronigo® aims for all of our Rock Climbing locations to be amongst the the best and most popular, our Rock Climbing Castle Hill center is no exception. Book with confidence!

  • Can I buy a gift voucher for Rock Climbing Castle Hill?

    Yes you can buy Rock Climbing Castle Hill gift vouchers either online or over the phone. Geronigo® gift vouchers are valid for 12 months, can be gift wrapped or for a last minute gift idea can be instant email delivered. Remember that any gift experience voucher from Geronigo® including our Rock Climbing Castle Hill vouchers can be used for booking at any of our thousands of Geronigo® adventure locations (for no extra charge!).

  • What is the postcode for Rock Climbing Castle Hill?

    The postcode for Rock Climbing Castle Hill is 7580. Please note that sometimes our Rock Climbing centers are difficult to find from a postcode and satnav. We will supply detailed directions to Rock Climbing Castle Hill on your booking receipt.

  • Where is Rock Climbing Castle Hill?

    The Rock Climbing Castle Hill center is located at the following address: 7580, Castle Hill, Canterbury Region. Please note that sometimes our Rock Climbing centers are difficult to find, please follow the directions on your booking receipt!

  • How much is Rock Climbing at Castle Hill?

    The average package price of Rock Climbing at Castle Hill 499.00. The lowest price is 499.00 with the most expensive option being 1,599.00.

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