Go Caving & Explore Castle Hill from Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)

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7 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”.

Your guide will show you around, if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill.

Afternoon - Cave Stream
It will take us approximately 45 minutes to make our way through the 594 meters of the limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water through the winding chambers and small waterfalls.

Not interested in caving? No problem; you're welcome to explore the paths and trails in the area or sit and relax with some afternoon tea in this very peaceful landscape instead of going through the cave.

What's Included

Private transportation
Snacks
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Use of caving equeptment including head torch, helmet and safety belt

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The cruise ship shuttle will stop in Lyttelton at the Norwich Quay bus stop (opposite Independent Provedoring Co, no 20 Norwich Quay) before heading into Christchurch. You will be collected at Norwich Quay bus stop by a white branded car or minivan and your guide will be wearing a branded uniform.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

We start our adventure by travelling west towards the mountains across the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains. We make a stop after 45mins at the “Darfield Bakery” (We will provide lunch, but you might like to sample a classic Kiwi pie or coffee) before continuing our journey to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti.

After stopping at Lake Lyndon for morning tea, the tour continues onto Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, where you will get ready to go caving.

It will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour to make your way through the 594 meters of the limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water through winding chambers, high passages and rock steps. The final section has a 3-meter fixed ladder to climb out of the cave and back into the daylight.

Lunch will be laid out before beginning the journey back towards Christchurch & Lyttelton.

If time allows, you will have the opportunity to visit Kura Tawhiti Senic Reserve and explore the giant limestone boulders.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Adventure by Nature

Tags

Extreme Sports
Climbing
Photography Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Caving
Photo Shoots
Small Group

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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