Kura Tāwhiti Access Track

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’.

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 80minutes from Christchurch.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 20min return; 1.4km one way

FITNESS: Low-to-moderate fitness required

TERRAIN: 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.

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.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill) © Getty Images