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Castle Hill

Credit to Stuff.co.nz. Thanks a lot World famous in New Zealand: Castle Hill, Canterbury | Stuff.co.nz In the Waimakariri Basin, about an 80-minute drive towards the mountains on SH73 from Christchurch, is a scattering of hundreds of weathered limestone tors that erupt from golden tussocky hills. Officially called a karst landscape, these ancient rocks are smooth, sculpted, spectacular, and irresistibly photogenic. Named by Ngai Tahu Kura Tāwhiti, or "treasure from afar" in reference to the kumara that was grown here, it's also an area of cultural and spiritual significance. From the carpark by the road, you follow a track for a 10-minute walk to the conservation area where the rocks rise from a collection of hilltops like the battlements of, well, castles. Perhaps the most astonishing thing about this amazingly striking and picturesque scenery is that it was entirely snubbed by the Lord of the Rings location scouts – though some of a Narnia movie was filmed nearby at Flock Hill. The backdrop of the surrounding Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges initially dwarfs the rocks, but up close they will tower over you, up to 50m high. This makes them a magnet for climbers, and boulderers, who you'll see eagerly tackling what they call "problems" without the benefit of ropes or harnesses: just chalk, balance, strength, experience, and brainpower. Plus some kind of invisible suction, surely. They're certainly worth watching, if you're not the nervous sort. WHY GO? There's a track that loops around the clusters of rocks, but there's no requirement to stick to it. It's a fun family day out to take a picnic and just go exploring by yourselves, or to play a giant version of hide and seek. You might come across some 500-year-old charcoal drawings made by the Waitaha people, who were the first to travel through here. INSIDER TIP Don't be tempted to pick any yellow flowers you may see behind a fence: the Castle Hill buttercup is extremely rare and a lot of work has gone into protecting it. And drones are prohibited over the Kura Tāwhiti Reserve. ON THE WAY/NEARBY Cave Stream Scenic Reserve is just along the road. Amongst more limestone outcrops, you'll find a 594m long cave that adventurous and experienced types will enjoy traversing from one end to the other. Not so rugged people will find plenty to entertain them, poking around the two entrances, and following the tracks through the reserve. If you want more of that, Craigieburn Forest Park has walking tracks and climbing routes. Mountainbikers will find purpose-built tracks in the area too. HOW MUCH? It's all free. Seriously: there's nothing to spend money on, so take everything you might need for the day, such as food and water. BEST TIME TO GO In winter, there will be snow on the surrounding ranges and possibly the rocks, which will be cold but amazing to see; and summer is naturally gorgeous too. Just choose a nice day and go for it. See castlehill.net.nz