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Offered languages
- English
Private guided tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti.
This tour doesn't require minimum numbers. It is suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups looking for a unique and personal tour.
Journey along the stunning Great Alpine Highway, traverse Porters Pass, take in the beauty of Lake Lyndon, and explore the awe-inspiring Castle Hill boulders on this shore excursion from Lyttelton.
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 try bouldering or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Norwich Quay bus stop (opposite Independent Provedoring Co, no 20 Norwich Quay), there is only one bus stop on Norwich Quay. You will be collected by a white branded car or minivan and your guide will be wearing a branded uniform.
Itinerary
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1
Leaving Lyttelton via the "Great Alpine Highway", you'll cross the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains towards the mountains. Halfway across the plains, you will discover the small rural town of Darfield, where you will enjoy a short stop, allowing you to sample some of the local delicacies from the famous Darfield Bakery.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Your next stop is Springfield, just 20 minutes down the road. Its giant doughnut statue is well worth a photo, and your guide will explain how the town ended up with this giant doughnut.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
From Springfield, the road winds up over Porter's Pass at 900 meters before continuing to Lake Lyndon, where we will stop for morning tea.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
From Lake Lyndon, it's only a 10-minute drive to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. This area is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders in the Craigieburn Basin, surrounded by mountains. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has a Tōpuni status of a "symbolic cloak of protection”. It is also known internationally as a world-class climbing, bouldering, photography, and film-making destination. Your guide will show you around and explain the geography and cultural significance of the area before finding the perfect spot to sit down for a picnic lunch. Following lunch, you will have free time to explore the boulder fields in your own time before meeting back at the car park. The return journey back to Lyttelton takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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