Waking up in your Castle Hill Apartment you have an amazing array of outdoor activities to enjoy each day. During the winter months the snow-covered slopes of the Porters, Cheeseman and Broken River ski fields await. Year round enjoy mountain biking on the many tracks, or tramping and day walks, through the Craigieburn Forest Park with its beech forests, tussock grasslands and mountain peaks.
For the more adventurous there’s rock climbing and bouldering and for a wet adventure, try cave streaming at the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve with its spectacular limestone outcrops and a 362 metre long cave, is ideal for gentle short walks. The rivers and lakes provide ideal conditions for kayaking and fishing. Even after dark the adventures continue with clear night skies perfect for star-gazing.
The Landscape
Hayward & Boffa refer to the Castle Hill area as perhaps the best-documented mountain area in the South Island. It is situated within the Upper Waimakariri Basin, an upland area comprising the steep ‘hard rock’ mountains and hills of the Torlesse & Craigieburn Ranges (80%), outwash fans and terraces (15%), and ‘soft rock’ limestone hills and features (5%).
Interestingly, the limestone areas of Castle Hill have been a particular focus of scientific and recreational attention, despite their comprising such a small proportion of the land.
Located just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, now you really can enjoy easy access to the great outdoors from the luxurious comfort of your own great indoors.
Walks and Reserves
- Craigieburn Forest Park – extends from the Waimakariri River to the Wilberforce River and contains braided rivers, beech valleys, tussock grasslands, alpine screes, and rugged mountain peaks over 2300m high.
- Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park – covers approximately 21,000 hectares centred on the Torlesse and Big Ben Ranges, in Canterbury’s high country.
- Cave Stream Scenic Reserve – sits among spectacular limestone outcrops, with views of the Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges.
Ski Fields
- Porters– sunkid carpet-lift makes progression for beginners so easy, and an easy link to our platter lift provides one of the best intermediate slopes for snowsports skill development in the country.
- Cheeseman – Cheeseman is a friendly ski area that promotes a fun, family environment in an alpine setting and is open to the public. They are the closest club ski area to Christchurch, being just 90 minutes drive or approximately 99km.
- Broken River – one of NZ’s unique “Club” fields, run and maintained by Broken River Ski Club members.
- Craigieburn Valley – Steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls, uncrowded runs or just a place to take it easy in the awesome vista of the Craigieburn Range.
- Mt Olympus
Rock Climbing
- Castle Hill Bouldering – There are many slabs, vertical walls and slight overhangs (no big roofs). Holds range from very small edges through to pockets of various sizes and of course slopers of all hideousness. Overall the bouldering can be considered technical but, in many cases, very powerful. Expect to get those little used muscles exercised if you haven’t bouldered there before. The landings are generally flat and grassy, but a crashmat is recomended for a lot of problems.
A truly limited edition
With prices starting from $499,000 these apartments will appeal to a range of buyers who recognise quality and opportunity.
Construction is expected to commence in Summer 2023. With a strictly limited number of one and two-bedroom apartments available, early enquiries are encouraged to avoid disappointment. Contact us today to secure your luxury Castle Hill Apartment.
matthew.loose@harcourts.co.nz 0800 668 682