banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Castle Hill: Kura Tawhiti - Guided Tour from Christchurch | 7 hours 30 minutes

9 Reviews | Christchurch
From $271.81 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (18-65) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Youth (12-17) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Child (5-11) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-4) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti- Guided tour from Christchurch
2 Adults x $273.92
$547.84
Approx Total
$547.84
Pickup included

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Gratuities

Overview

Small-group guided tour including lunch, transport and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing boulder fields at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. A day trip from Christchurch City into the mountains and back again. 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 and test your climbing skills, or use your time to explore the endless maze of boulders.

Itinerary

  • Castle Hill

    Visit the small alpine township of Castle Hill village. Known for its upmarket private chelates. The Village is a base for local snow sports in winter as well as mountain biking and hiking in summer.

    15 minutes

  • Darfield

    You will the opportunity to explore the this small farming township. There is a very popular Bakery serving many kiwi delicacies and coffee, a small art gallery and farming supply stores.

    30 minutes

  • Springfield

    Stopping at the Famous Springfield Doughnut you will be served Morning tea. This small farming town was given the oversized donut as a publicity stunt to promote the "Simpsons Movie".

    30 minutes

  • Lake Lyndon

    Visit this stunning alpine lake

    30 minutes

  • Castle Hill Rocks

    A Enjoy a guided tour and picnic lunch at the Limestone Boulders of Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Reserve. Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill is rich in local and cultural history and has fascinating geology features. The lime stone boulders are nestled within the Southern Alps (Mountains) as tell us that the are was once covered by a shallow ocean. During your visit You will have the option to try bouldering, a type of rock climbing that attracts climbers to the Castle Hill area from all around the word. Find Unique photo opportunities. Your guide will show you some of the best spots for great photos or you can explore the mase of boulders at your own pace and meet back in the carpark. Picnic style lunch will be provided including hot drinks. Your guide will find a nice secluded spot for you to enjoy lunch away from the crowds.

    2 hours

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour includes 3-3.5 hours of travel from Christchurch to Castle Hill following state Highway 73 (The Great Alpine Highway)

Free Cancellation

October 28100% refund
October 29No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • 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.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

9 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    8
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 8 reviews with 5 stars

Not to be missed

Published on Dec, 2024

What an amazing gift from nature. Please do not drive past. It's an easy walk, and it is all so different close up than what you see from the carpark. Absolutely stunning. Around every corner the view changes completely.

It was a geat tour- Castlehill

Published on Dec, 2023

Everything was just perfect. This is not an exaggeration. The sunny weather, huge rocks on the hill(I kept saying “WOW”), the kind, informative guide, and the delicious lunch, so what else do you need other than these? It was one of “the best” tours I’ve ever had :)

Magical Day in the Sun

Published on Dec, 2023

Nathaniel was a splendid guide, a fount of knowledge, a provider of delicious food and a careful driver. The highlight of my trip to Christchurch was Castle Hill and the spectacular rock formations. If you have the chance, put this tour at the top of your list.

Great memories!

Published on Jul, 2023

I had an amazing time. My guide for the day, Nathanael, was extremely knowledgeable and shared many interesting stories about New Zealand, the area, and the Māori people. Castle Hill is magnificent, and it was great to walk around and spend some quiet time in its splendor. The mountain tops were also covered with snow which completed the perfect picture. On the way back we also had some time to stop to have a "world famous" pie - definitely worthwhile if there is time on the way back! Great memories! Thank you, Nathanael.

Nice day trip

Published on Jan, 2023

We really enjoyed our experience with our tour guide Sarah. She was courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. She really helped us see the areas of Littleton and Christchurch that we felt were important to see. Good snacks, bouldering, and photography. Great day overall, thanks !

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Castle Hill: Kura Tawhiti - Guided Tour ...
210847P3
time

7 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
9
From
$272 /   Person
Arthurs Pass Day Trip From Christchurch ...
312127P9
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
12
From
$130 /   Person
Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine a ...
312127P31
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$348 /   Person
Christchurch to Franz Josef 1-Way Small ...
New On TravelOne
56760P63
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$168 /   Person
Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Small ...
New On TravelOne
56760P64
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
From
$168 /   Person
Arthurs Pass Day Tour With Jet boat Ride
312127P30
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
From
$231 /   Person
Franz Josef Tour Via Hokitika From Chris ...
New On TravelOne
312127P33
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$168 /   Person
Rakaia Glaciers
249560P8
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$2,156 /   Person
Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excur ...
151856P3
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
From
$1,000 /   Group
[Stevong]Castle Hill and Arthur's pass D ...
74366P15
time

10 hours to 11 hours

time Non Refundable
0
From
$551 /   Person
Southern Alps Scenic
249560P5
time

1 hour 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
7
From
$1,107 /   Person
Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour with Tranzalp ...
312127P23
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
42
From
$255 /   Person
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
3352P9
time

24 hours

time Free Cancellation
670
From
$23 /   Person
Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from C ...
2950CLT18
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
403
From
$78 /   Person
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glaci ...
71335P32
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
271
From
$128 /   Person
Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine ...
3290AP
time

9 hours

time Non Refundable
225
From
$403 /   Person
Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket
3352GONDOLA
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
192
From
$24 /   Person
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Ch ...
2950P54
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Partially Refundable
180
From
$151 /   Person
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch ...
2950P73
time

6 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
140
From
$104 /   Person
Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day ...
Likely To Sell Out
2950P53
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Partially Refundable
132
From
$246 /   Person
Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic ...
68723P1
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
120
From
$174 /   Person
Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, i ...
221590P1
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
111
From
$115 /   Person
Tranz Alpine Train Tour
106809P1
time

9 hours

time Non Refundable
87
From
$362 /   Person
All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour f ...
148881P2
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$101 /   Person
Recently Viewed
New York City Soho, Little Italy, Chinat ...
New On TravelOne
104357P670
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
From
$116 /   Person
Historical red light tour - heavy boys, ...
70426P9
time

2 hours

time Non Refundable
2
From
$24 /   Person
Countryside Biking Experience: Phu My Po ...
130205P8
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$230 /   Person
Sea trip to Saint-Malo Cultural boat tri ...
424845P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
39
From
$49 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Reset keyword
    Theme
    Adventure & Outdoor Activities
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Theme
    Cruises & Water Journeys
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Theme
    Eco & Sustainable Travel
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Theme
    Food & Culinary Experiences
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Theme
    Historical & Heritage Sites
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Theme
    Local Culture & Traditions
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Theme
    Luxury & Romantic Getaways
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Theme
    Nature & Scenic Experiences
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Theme
    Nightlife & Festivals
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Theme
    Seasonal & Holiday Trips
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Theme
    Spiritual & Religious Journeys
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Theme
    Sports & Active Travel
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Choose your preferred travel flow