CANTERBURY
KURA TĀWHITI ACCESS TRACK
DEVILS PUNCHBOWL WALKING TRACK
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Feel the full force and hear the sound of fresh mountain water falling 131m down one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls. It’s suitable for a twilight/evening walk. If you venture out after dusk, there is a good chance you’ll hear or see one of the endangered great spotted kiwi/roroa, the ‘mountaineer’ of kiwi. Listen for a loud snuffling or a harsh whistling cry and you’ll know one is close by. If you are lucky enough to see a bird don’t pursue or interfere with it or take photographs using your flash. A head-torch with an infrared light is recommended for evening walks.
Wander through majestic limestone rock formations and reflect on the significance of Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill) to Ngāi Tahu as ‘the treasure from a distant land’.
TRACK OVERVIEW From the start of the walk, follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly fantails/ pīwakawaka and tomtits before climbing 150m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall. Return on the same track. The top of this incredible 131m waterfall can be seen from the main road. This walk to the base can be enjoyed all year round.
The area was once under a large, shallow inland sea that began to fill in about 30 million years ago. Pressure over time caused extensive uplift, folding and faulting the Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges. The limestone rock has been eroded by water into these distinctive sculptured landforms.
Where is it? From Christchurch, take SH 73 towards the West Coast. Kura Tāwhiti is beside the highway in the Waimakariri Basin, about 80 minutes from Christchurch.
20min return; 1.4km one way Low-to-moderate fitness required Mix of gentle rises to flat terrain
TRACK OVERVIEW Follow an easy access track to the site. From here there is a network of unmarked but worn tracks that go up and around large limestone formations, up to 30m high. These formations can be seen from the highway, but their size is best appreciated up close. This world-renowned bouldering site has a rock-climbing code that respects the Tōpuni status (special protection) of these outcrops. Low-to-moderate fitness is required for the flat terrain of this track. Kura Tāwhiti is an alpine region, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
No dogs
Where is it? The track starts at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village, just off SH 73 at the Punchbowl car park (signposted off the highway).
Terrain Note that low-to-moderate fitness is required for this track as it has a gradual incline with steps. Some people may find the large number of steps challenging. ABOVE: Devils Punchbowl © Department of Conservation RIGHT: Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill) © Getty Images
1hr return; 2km return Low-to-moderate fitness required Gradual incline and steps No dogs
Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel Main Rd (SH 73), Arthur’s Pass Village www.apam.co.nz FREEPHONE: 0800 900 401
• Our clean, warm and cosy cabins each sleep 1-5 guests. • All with own bathroom, kitchen, dining table and couch. • Listen for kiwi, watch kea play, enjoy nature at its best. • Walk one of the nearby tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park. • Free WiFi, TV and DVD player in all rooms. • Tariff: $95-$155 for 1-2 guests, extra adults $25, extra children $15. Multi-night discounts.
BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST PRICE: info@apam.co.nz
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WANT MORE?
While in the Waimakariri region, why not take advantage of the walking tracks in the native forestcovered foothills of Mt Thomas and Mt Oxford conservation parks? Or give your feet a rest with a horseback ride, canyoning in Glentui or a cruise up the Kaiapoi River.
