Hike and Climb at Castle Hill

Castle Hill Conservation Area Trailhead, Castle Hill
3.5
2 Reviews
Hike and Climb at Castle Hill
View all photos

Details

Distance
2 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Groups
Family Friendly
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Scenic
Picnic Area
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Tobin Akehurst

Hike around hundreds of giant limestone formations on this short, family-friendly hike. Bring your climbing gear and try some bouldering or sport climbing.

Follow the footpath from the car park. You will quickly arrive at Castle Hill, famous for it's incredible array of giant limestone formations. There is no official path so you are free to wander the maze of rocks. Look for arches and even signs of ancient Maori inhabitants. Its fun to climb among the beautiful boulders but be careful it could be very easy to get yourself stuck or even fall.

Castle hill is a popular area for bouldering and sport climbing. The best free, on-line guide to C.H. climbing is http://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/canterbury/inland-canterbury/castle-hill-basin/castle-hill-kura-tawhiti

I brought some climbing shoes and had fun finding and trying out different traverses and short climbs not far from the ground.

Show more
Suggest an edit

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Taka John
10/25/2019
Castle hill
Very interesting place and close to Christchurch. You may climb Leath hill ( may need permission for walking across private land)
Report
Brendon Graf
1/24/2018
🧗‍♂️
Great for bouldering but if you’re planning on sport climbing, bring hangers as most bolts are ‘carrot bolts’
Report