Hike and Climb at Castle Hill

2 Miles Round Trip - Out-and-Back Trail

Castle Hill Conservation Area Trailhead - Search Nearby - 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.