Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury Day Tour
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Overview
As you travel along the Great Alpine Highway, you'll pass through the vast Canterbury Plains before reaching the mountains. First, you'll stop in Darfield, a charming rural town, where you can sample local treats at the famous Darfield Bakery. Next, continue on to Springfield, just 20 minutes away, where you’ll have the chance to snap a photo with the quirky giant doughnut statue and hear the story behind this amusing landmark from your guide. From Springfield, the road winds up to Porter's Pass, reaching 900 meters in elevation, before leading to Lake Lyndon for a morning tea break. Just a 10-minute drive further, you’ll reach Castle Hill, also known as Kura Tawhiti, a globally renowned spot for climbing, bouldering, photography, and filmmaking. Your guide will share insights on the region’s geography and cultural significance before you enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in this stunning setting. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the boulder fields at your own pace. The return trip to Lyttelton takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
What's included?
Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury Itinerary
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Activities: Sightseeing, walking.
Transport: Minivan or luxury car (private tours)
Food: Picnic lunch, morning & afternoon tea are included
Start/Finish location: Christchurch City Centre
Pick-up time: 9:00 am
Finish time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Min/Max numbers: 2 – 8 pax
(Public Holidays: By request only – Min 4 Pax)
Journey along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73) with stunning views of farmland and small towns. Travel over Porters Pass, enjoy Lake Lyndon, and explore Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Reserve. Optional bouldering and a picnic lunch await.
Pick-up/Drop-off:
– Chch Hotels
– Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square
– Zeros Café Cashmere Road (free all-day parking)
Tour starts – Christchurch
(Travel – 50 minutes)
1. Darfield – Break, 15 minutes
(Travel – 20 minutes)
2. Springfield – Photo stop, 10 minutes
(Travel – 20 minutes)
3. Lake Lyndon– Morning tea, sightseeing, 30 minutes
(Travel – 10 minutes)
4. Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area – Sightseeing, guided walk,
picnic lunch, 3 hours
(Travel – 1.5 hours)
Tour finishes – Christchurch
Why us?
Embark on a scenic adventure along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73), taking in stunning views of the Canterbury Plains, lush farmland, and quaint towns. Travel over Porters Pass, admire Lake Lyndon’s beauty, and reach the majestic Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Reserve. Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic spot, followed by a relaxing picnic lunch among the boulders. For the more adventurous, bouldering (rock climbing) offers an exciting option. This tour is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Optional Extras
For the private tour option, please contact [email protected] for more details.
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is a stunning natural reserve located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, on the Canterbury Plains, just off the Great Alpine Highway (SH73). It’s renowned for its dramatic limestone formations, vast boulder fields, and striking landscapes.
Terms of conditions for entry to the Adventure by Nature can be found here https://www.adventurebynature.co.nz/, We – Retreat as a reseller take no responsibility for health and safety during your experience. We all are responsible adults and it is the purchaser’s responsibility to manage risks that may arise.
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