Just over an hour from our Christchurch depot, the world changes. As you climb State Highway 73 towards Arthur’s Pass, the Canterbury Plains give way to a dramatic high-country basin scattered with hundreds of monolithic limestone boulders. This is Castle Hill. While you might recognise it as a battle scene from The Chronicles of Narnia, this landscape is far more than just a movie set. It is a place of deep cultural significance, world-class bouldering, and the perfect first stop on your Parker road trip.
To Ngāi Tahu, this area is Kura Tāwhiti ("the treasure from a distant land"). For centuries, these limestone shelters were used by travellers moving between the coasts to cultivate kumara and shelter from the nor'west winds.
When you visit, you aren't just walking through rocks; you’re walking through an ancient seabed. These forms are 30 million years old, eroded by water and wind into the "architectural" shapes that give the hill its English name.
Park up at the main reserve car park (plenty of room for your Parker van). From here, a well-formed track leads you right into the heart of the boulders.
For the Wanderers: You don’t need a plan here. The best way to experience Castle Hill is to simply get lost in the maze. Pack a picnic from the van fridge, find a sunny, wind-protected cove between the rocks, and enjoy the silence.
For the Climbers: This is globally-renowned for bouldering. If you’re keen to climb, rent a crash pad from Smylie’s in Springfield. The limestone here is technical and friction-dependent—perfect for solving "problems" on a sunny afternoon.
For the Brave: Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Just a few minutes further up the road is Cave Stream. This isn't a stroll; it’s a 594-metre caving adventure that follows a river underground.
This track is for confident adventurers only. You need two torches per person (it is pitch black) and wool layers (the water is cold). Never enter if the river is high or if rain is forecast. Be sure to check track and weather conditions, and ensure you have the right gear, before attempting this hike. If you prefer to stay dry, the walk to the cave entrance offers stunning views of the tormented limestone landscape without getting your feet wet.
Camping isn't permitted at Castle Hill itself, but you don't have to go far. We recommend Mistletoe Flats in the nearby Craigieburn Forest Park. Nestled in native beech forest, it’s the perfect spot to brew a coffee and listen to the korimako (bellbirds) before continuing west to Arthur's Pass.
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