The boulders
Strange shapes.
Michal Klajban — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michal Klajban — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michal Klajban — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michal Klajban — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chensiyuan — CC BY-SA 4.0
Castle Hill is a place in New Zealand's South Island where huge limestone boulders are scattered over grassy hills, at about 700 metres near State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur's Pass. It lies within the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area. It takes its name from its great limestone boulders, which recall a run-down old stone castle. The front of Christchurch Cathedral was built from its stone. It is one of the best-known rock-climbing spots in the South Island, with climbers here most days. Battle scenes for a 2005 film were shot nearby. You see huge, rounded grey boulders in strange shapes, with hollows like eyes, scattered on grassy slopes that are green or gold depending on the season. Narrow dirt paths wind between them, and the Southern Alps with their snowy peaks surround the site. It is about 82 km from Christchurch in a straight line. Walking among the rocks is easy; respect the area, which matters to Māori tribes.
Strange shapes.
Among the rocks.
Snowy peaks.
State Highway 73, between Springfield and Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Its boulders look like a ruined stone castle.
Yes, it is one of the best-known bouldering spots in the South Island.