Accommodation 2 mins from Kura Tawhiti Reserve
We are 2 kms from Kura Tawhiti-Castle Hill Rocks Reserve. Kura Tawhiti means "treasure from afar". Large limestone tors form an interesting forground to the mountains behind. This area has special significane to both Ngai Tahu and Waitaha tribes. In the Ngai Tahu Deed of Settlement Kura Tawhiti was designated a Topuni area which recognises its cultural, spiritual and historical values.

Castle Hill Rocks
The limestone formations were initialy called Castle Hill Rocks because of their ruined castle-like appearance from a distance.

See the Department of Conservation - Kura Tawhiti Reserve website for information.

Walking in Kura Tawhiti Reserve
This reserve is spectacular and well worth a visit. There is marked access off the Great Alpine Highway on the Castle Hill straight. It takes about 5-10mins to walk into the rocks themselves. Once there you can spend the whole day exploring, or just enjoying the ambience.

Bouldering at Castle Hill Rocks
There is great bouldering and rock climbing at Cave Stream. Check out the bouldering page for more information and where to find guide books. You will need to ask permission to walk or climb anywhere outside of the DoC reserve. Climbers are asked to respect the rock climbing codes in place. This is a special place.


Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre
P.O. Box 8, Arthur's Pass
Ph: +64 3 318 9211
Fax: +64 3 318 9210

   Location map - Castle Hill

   1 hour to Christchurch Airport

   1.75 hours to Greymouth & Hokitika

   Great stopover accommodation
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