Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti

Christchurch & Canterbury


Scattered across lush paddocks around 33km from Springfield, these limestone formations reach up to 30m high, and look so other-worldly they were named ‘treasure from a distant land’ by early Māori. A car park (with toilets) provides easy access to a short walk into the strange rock garden (10 minutes), favoured by rock climbers and photographers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Christchurch & Canterbury attractions

1. Cave Stream Scenic Reserve

1.69 MILES

Near Broken River Bridge, 2km northeast of Castle Hill, you'll find this 594m-long cave. As indicated by the information panels in the car park, the walk…

2. Craigieburn Forest Park

4.48 MILES

Just off the highway, this mountainous area becomes a mecca for ski bunnies from June to October, with several fields in its midst, including Broken River…

3. Arthur's Pass National Park

19.87 MILES

Straddling the Southern Alps, known to Māori as Ka Tiritiri o Te Moana (Steep Peak of Glistening White), this vast alpine wilderness became the South…

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