Cave Stream & Castle Hill Tour from Christchurch

Morning – Journey to Cave Stream
Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation, a meeting point in Christchurch, or Lyttelton Port. From there, we head west across the Canterbury Plains, enjoying views of the flat farmland and surrounding countryside. After about 45 minutes, we’ll stop at the famous Sheffield Pie Shop. While a delicious picnic lunch is provided later, this is your chance to try a classic Kiwi pie if you’d like!

Continuing our drive, we’ll arrive at Cave Stream, where the real adventure begins.

Cave Stream Adventure
At Cave Stream, your guide will provide all the necessary caving gear and a safety briefing before we head to the cave entrance. This 600-metre limestone cave follows an underground river and takes about 45–60 minutes to traverse. Inside, you’ll walk through crystal-clear water that flows through large chambers and over small waterfalls. The cave narrows to the width of a hallway but is always high enough to stand comfortably.

The highlight comes at the final section, where you’ll climb a 5-metre fixed ladder beside a waterfall to exit the cave—a favourite for adventurers of all ages! After emerging, enjoy hot drinks and a picnic lunch at the car park while soaking in the stunning mountain views.

Afternoon – Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Exploration
Next, a short drive takes us to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, an iconic labyrinth of massive limestone boulders nestled in the Craigieburn Basin, surrounded by towering mountain ranges. Rich in cultural significance, the area holds Tōpuni status, symbolising its importance to Māori. Castle Hill is renowned worldwide for its climbing, bouldering, and its role as a backdrop in famous films.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the site, pointing out key features and hidden gems. You’ll have the chance to try bouldering or simply wander through the fascinating maze of rocks at your leisure.

Return to Christchurch
On the return trip, we’ll stop briefly in Springfield for a photo with its giant doughnut—a quirky local landmark with an interesting backstory that your guide will share. Once back in Christchurch, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation or pick-up point, wrapping up a day filled with adventure and discovery.