Cave Stream + Castle Hill Inland Canterbury Day Tour
south
Overview
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation or meeting point in Christchurch or Lyttelton. Our journey takes us through the Canterbury Plains, stopping in Springfield to see the giant doughnut. We’ll have morning tea by Lake Lyndon before heading to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. At Cave Stream, your guide will provide caving gear and a safety briefing before leading you through the 600-meter limestone cave, which takes about 45-60 minutes to explore. The cave features crystal-clear water, large chambers, and a fixed ladder to climb past a small waterfall. Afterward, enjoy hot drinks and a picnic lunch with mountain views, followed by a short drive to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Explore the stunning boulder field, a world-renowned climbing and filming spot. Your guide will show you around, or you can explore at your own pace. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation. *Suitable for active travellers. Minimum child age 8 years.
What's included?
Cave Stream & Castle Hill Itinerary
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Activities: Caving, Bouldering, Sightseeing
Transport: Minivan or luxury car (private tours)
Food included: Picnic lunch, morning & afternoon tea
Start/Finish location: Christchurch City Centre
Pick-up time: 8:30 am
Finish time: 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Min/Max numbers: 2 – 8 pax
(Public Holidays: By request only – Min 4 Pax)
*Suitable for active travellers. Minimum child age 8 years.
A combined Cave Stream and Castle Hill tour. Travel the scenic Great Alpine Highway (SH73) through farmland, towns, and past Lake Lyndon, then explore Cave Stream on a guided caving adventure, followed by a picnic lunch at Castle Hill.
Pick-up/Drop-off:
– Chch Hotels
– Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square
– Zeros Café Cashmere Road (free all-day parking)
Tour starts – Christchurch
(Travel – 45 minutes)
1. Darfield – Break time, 10 minutes
(Travel – 40 minutes)
2. Lake Lyndon – Snack, photo stop, 15 minutes
(Travel – 15 minutes)
3. Cave Stream Scenic Reserve – Safety briefing, guided cave walk, lunch, 1.5 hours
(Travel – 5 minutes)
4. Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area – Sightseeing, guided walk, 1 hour
(Travel – 25 minutes)
5. Springfield – Photo stop, 5 minutes
(Travel – 1 hour )
Tour finishes – Christchurch
Why us?
Embark on a unique adventure with our combined Cave Stream (1.5 hrs caving) and Castle Hill tour. Travel along the stunning Great Alpine Highway (SH73), passing through lush farmland, quaint towns, Porters Pass, and Lake Lyndon before reaching Cave Stream. The tour includes a guided caving experience and a relaxing picnic lunch. For those not interested in caving, a self-guided walk is available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey. The day concludes with a visit to the impressive boulders at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. While suitable for most people, the tour may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. Non-caving participants can explore on foot while the group enjoys the cave.
Optional Extras
For the private tour option, please contact [email protected] for more details.
Cave Stream is a 600-meter limestone cave in Canterbury, New Zealand, featuring a flowing stream and stunning rock formations. Visitors wade through crystal-clear water, navigate large chambers, and climb a ladder over a waterfall to exit. It’s a popular spot for adventurous caving.
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.
Host
