Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill, Canterbury)

The forecast told us that there might be snow en route, but we saw none at all and had a really pleasant drive from Hokitika on the West Coast through the spectacular Otira Gorge. We stopped for something to eat at Arthur’s Pass before heading to Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill).

This was my first time walking amongst the rock formations and I would count it as one of my best experiences ever. There is a real presence there and a humbling sense of humanity’s place in the order of things. Somehow the intermittent showers and low cloud only made the visit more atmospheric.

Touching the faces of the stones and walking amongst them made me feel connected and calm and was an opportunity to think deeply about my life and the path ahead. I stood among the stones and sang two songs that talked about the ancestors that can be seen and felt in the natural world as a small offering to the spirits there.

This place has deep significance and visitors are advised to stay on the formed access tracks.

According to what we read mana whenua (Ngāi Tahu) consider that people climbing on certain rock outcrops can denigrate their sacred or tapu status so please be mindful of the sacred nature of this space. There is clear guidance on the information panels in the parking area.