March

5th March 2005

One of the first places we visited when we arrived in New Zealand was a mysterious looking field of enormous rocks on the road to Arthur's Pass, at a place called Castle Hill.

We decided to drive back and have a picnic there. It is a lovely picturesque setting. The rocks themselves are impressive and teh entire area is surrounded by mountains, sitting as it does between Porter's Pass and Arthurs Pass in the southern alps.

We parked the car on the highway and walked approximately a kilometre to the foot of the closest rocks. The place does have a Maori name but I can never remember it.

This area is very popular with climbers, providing a number of challenging climbs. Even if you are not a climber there are several easy paths that will carry you to the top of the rocks. Be careful climbing between the rocks though as some paths end suddenly in steep drops.

.We clambered around the rocks for a couple of hours before having lunch and coffee from our trusty thermos bottles.

I took my son and his friends around the back of the rocks while Marisa took photos.

By the way, you can click on the photos here to see larger versions.

We drove back in the late afternoon. I'm really looking forward to winter again. These rocks and the surrounding paddocks are often covered in snow.

If you are a climber there are some rules to observe to preserve the rock faces here. These are spelled out on large signs as you walk into the area.

You should also remember that this is a station and gates should be kept closed.

-- Brook

 

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