Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill is a spectacular limestone outcrop located just south of Castle Hill Village on Great Alpine Highway / State Highway 73, the main route between Canterbury and the West Coast. A short drive from Arthur’s Pass or about 90 minutes from Christchurch, this dramatic natural reserve is one of the most iconic and accessible stops along the highway.
As soon as you pull into the marked car park, you’ll see why this place is so popular. A wide gravel track leads you toward a surreal collection of massive, weathered rocks. From a distance, they resemble the crumbling walls of a forgotten fortress, hence the name Castle Hill, although we prefer the image of giant teeth, worn by time but still standing tall.
Once you reach the rocks, you’re free to explore at your own pace. There’s no set trail, which makes it more of an adventure. Some rocks are scattered in jumbled clusters, while others form passageways, unexpected clearings, or ledges you can scramble onto for sweeping views over the surrounding basin. Take care with the cliff edge drops! From higher vantage points, you’ll see across to the rugged peaks of the Torlesse Range in the southeast, with tussock-covered valleys stretching away in every direction.
The rocks are a mix of limestone and other rock created by layers of organic material, deposited in oceans and subjected to enormous pressure over millions of years. The area was once a shallow inland sea that began to infill some 30 million years ago. Uplift, folding and faulting subsequently caused the formation of the Torlesse and Craigieburn Ranges. The exposed limestone rocks were eroded into the karst rock formations of today.
The grasslands of the area are more recent. Kura Tāwhiti was covered in tōtara and tall shrubs, but most of this was destroyed by fire 600 years ago. Tussock took over and pasture was added as the region was settled. There is one surviving tōtara nearby!
Ngāi Tahu iwi provided the Māori name Kura Tāwhiti, which means the treasure from a distant land. This refers to the kūmara that was brought to Aotearoa and cultivated in this region. Kura Tāwhiti was claimed by Tane Tiki and the mountains were known for kākāpō. Tane wanted to use their skins and green feathers for clothing for his daughter Hine Mihi..
Today, Kura Tāwhiti has Tōpuni status. This acknowledges the connection with Ngāi Tahu and refers to the traditional custom of rangatira extending authority over areas or people by placing a cloak over them. Visitors are asked to tread lightly, stay off delicate vegetation, and avoid climbing on marked cultural sites.
After exploring the rocks, it’s well worth driving just a few minutes north to Cave Stream, a dramatic limestone cave system that runs beneath the hills. If you're prepared and conditions are right, you can walk through the cave itself.
Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill is located directly off State Highway 73, about 5 minutes south of Castle Hill Village and roughly halfway between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass. Look for the large DOC sign and car park. The walk from the car park to the rock formations is about 1 km and suitable for most fitness levels.
