Castle Hill Shore Excursion from Lyttelton

South Island

Adventure By Nature

from

NZ$399

per adult

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Castle Hill rock formations reflected in a shallow pool under a moody sky

Experiences

Day Tours

Small Group Tours

Shore Excursions

South Island

Start: Lyttleton

Locations: Lyttelton, Christchurch

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: 1

Details

See Canterbury’s alpine beauty on this guided day trip

For cruise passengers looking to escape the city and experience New Zealand’s raw natural beauty, this Castle Hill Shore Excursion delivers. Your journey begins along the picturesque Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73), where sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains unfold around every bend.

You’ll stop in the charming rural town of Darfield to sample local treats, then pass through Springfield—home to a giant doughnut statue—before heading into the Southern Alps. At Porter’s Pass, the landscape transforms dramatically, leading you to the awe-inspiring limestone formations of Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti.

Scenic road view of the Great Alpine Highway with Canterbury high country mountains in the background

Flock of sheep grazing in the valley beneath Castle Hill’s limestone boulders

Couple standing on top of a limestone arch at Castle Hill with a friend walking below

Woman standing on a massive limestone arch with arms raised at Castle Hill

Man sitting inside a naturally eroded hollow limestone boulder at Castle Hill

Visitor standing between limestone rocks at Castle Hill, admiring the high country views

Mother and two children sitting on a boulder surrounded by Castle Hill’s rock landscape

Two people standing beside a still pool reflecting the boulders of Castle Hill

Woman and child walking beneath towering limestone boulders at Castle Hill on a clear day

Child seen through a round hole in a limestone boulder at Castle Hill

Group of tourists taking photos of the limestone formations at Castle Hill in bright outdoor gear

Woman walking through a narrow gap between limestone boulders at Castle Hill, Canterbury

Man climbing a limestone boulder at Castle Hill during a guided day trip

Picnic morning tea set up beside branded vans during a guided day walk to Packhorse Hut

Limestone boulders at Castle Hill reflecting in a shallow pool under a bright sky in Canterbury, New Zealand

Woman walking among Castle Hill boulders at sunset in golden light

Woman sitting inside a naturally eroded circular hole in a limestone boulder at Castle Hill

Tour group exploring the elevated limestone formations of Castle Hill on a guided excursion

Woman taking photos from atop a limestone boulder overlooking Castle Hill and surrounding plains

Gravel path leading towards the dramatic boulder formations at Castle Hill, New Zealand

Shore Excursion Highlights

Scenic drive along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73)
Visit to Darfield for local snacks and coffee
Photo stop at Springfield’s famous doughnut statue
Travel over Porter’s Pass with breathtaking mountain views
Guided walk among Castle Hill’s impressive boulder fields
Learn about Māori cultural significance and geology
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch with alpine scenery
Free time to explore and photograph Castle Hill at leisure
Comfortable, air-conditioned transport
Small-group experience with a knowledgeable local guide

Important Information

Start Time: 8:30 am (or after ship disembarking begins)
Finish Time: 4:00 pm (or in time for your ship’s departure)
Family-Friendly: Suitable for families; private tours available for those with young children upon request.
Booking Advice: To secure your spot, booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended.
Group Size: Minimum of two participants, with a maximum group size of eleven.
What to Bring: Walking/sport shoes and active clothing. A full gear list will be provided upon booking completion.

Age Information

Adults: 13 years and over
Children: 5-12 years

Cancellations & Refunds

More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**
Between 24 and 48 hours: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours: No refund
No shows: No refund

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Scenic Start Across the Canterbury Plains

Your day begins with a relaxed drive from Lyttelton, heading west across the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Enjoy a stop in Darfield, a classic Kiwi town where you can grab a fresh-baked treat or local coffee.

In Springfield, you'll be greeted by a giant pink doughnut—yes, really—and your guide will share the quirky tale behind this iconic photo stop.

Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti – A Landscape Like No Other

As the road winds over Porters Pass and past alpine lakes, the Southern Alps rise dramatically ahead. Castle Hill, known as Kura Tāwhiti, welcomes you with its surreal landscape of massive limestone boulders. These sacred formations hold deep cultural meaning for Māori and have even captured the imagination of filmmakers.

Your guide will lead you through the boulder fields, sharing stories, photo tips and local legends before laying out a scenic picnic lunch. There's also free time to wander, climb, or simply take in the awe-inspiring views.

Return Along the Great Alpine Highway

After a revitalising visit, the journey back is anything but dull. Travel through high country scenery and past sheep stations as your guide points out landmarks along the famous Great Alpine Highway.

You’ll arrive back in Lyttelton with plenty of time before your ship departs—refreshed, inspired, and with a camera full of epic photos.