Castle Hill, Limestone rock climbing site in Selwyn District, New Zealand
Castle Hill is a limestone formation with large boulders scattered across a high country landscape at about 700 meters elevation between Springfield and Arthur's Pass. The natural arrangement offers climbing routes and several walking paths through the rugged mountain terrain.
Limestone quarried from this location was used as building material for the Christchurch Cathedral in its early construction phase. This extraction shaped the landscape and the area's use over many decades.
Local Māori people call this place Kura Tawhiti, and ancient charcoal drawings made by early inhabitants are still visible on the rock walls. These markings show how long people have been drawn to this special location.
The main parking area sits at the start of the Kura Tawhiti track, which leads about 1.5 kilometers on foot to the rock formations. Visitors should wear weather-resistant clothing, as conditions at elevation can change quickly.
A special botanical treasure is the Castle Hill buttercup, which grows only in this region and is protected within the Lance McCaskill Nature Reserve. This plant species is found nowhere else in the world.
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