Discover two of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural landscapes with a flexible tour that lets you choose the style of adventure that suits you best. Whether you want a guided caving experience, a caving and Castle Hill tour, or a full-day tour with transport from Christchurch or Lyttelton Port, you will explore some of the South Island’s most impressive limestone formations in the heart of the high country.
All options include a fully guided trip through Cave Stream, one of New Zealand’s most accessible and exciting underground river systems. After meeting your guide at the Cave Stream car park—or being collected from Christchurch or the port, depending on your option—you’ll be fitted with caving gear and given a safety briefing before heading to the entrance. The 600-meter limestone passage takes most groups 45–60 minutes to complete. Inside, crystal-clear water flows through winding chambers, over small waterfall steps, and beneath sculpted rock ceilings. The route is tall enough to stand throughout, and the experience finishes with a memorable climb up a fixed 5-meter ladder beside the cave’s final waterfall. This is a family-friendly adventure suitable for beginners and a highlight for many visitors.
If you have selected an option that includes lunch, you’ll enjoy a picnic while taking in wide mountain views back at the car park. Guests booked on the Castle Hill options will then follow their guide (either self-drive or in the provided transport) to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, an iconic landscape of massive limestone boulders scattered across sweeping tussock plains. The area holds deep cultural significance and is internationally known for its climbing, bouldering, and film locations. Your guide will lead you through the rock formations and share stories about the area’s history, geology, and spiritual importance. You’ll also have time to explore on your own or try some beginner-friendly bouldering if you wish.
For guests on the full-day transport-included option, the journey begins with a scenic drive across the Canterbury Plains along the Great Alpine Highway. You may stop at the Sheffield Pie Shop or Darfield Bakery to sample classic New Zealand pies and pick up fresh items for your lunch. After visiting Cave Stream and Castle Hill, the return trip includes a short stop in Springfield for a fun photo with the town’s giant doughnut. You’ll then be dropped back at your accommodation or meeting point in Christchurch or Lyttelton Port.
Whether you choose the caving-only option, the caving and Castle Hill experience, or the full-day guided tour with transport, this adventure offers an unforgettable way to explore the wild landscapes and unique geology of New Zealand’s Southern Alps region.
