The Port Hills

Recreation and facilities

Castle Rock Reserve

Castle Rock Reserve.

Castle Rock Reserve is noteworthy for its wide variety of plant life and recreational challenges. The reserve is located on the west side of the Heathcote Valley and runs from Summit Road down to Port Hills Road. Castle Rock (Te Tihi-o-Kahukura), a popular spot with rock climbers, is located near Summit Road, at the top end of the reserve above the Heathcote and Horotane Valleys.

Access

Summit Road. The Bridle Path track intersects with Kahukura track that leads to Castle Rock.

Nearest Bus

28 Lyttelton. For further information check out the Christchurch City Bus Services at metro info.

Facilities

• Kahukura Track starts halfway up the north side of Bridle Path. The track proceeds to climb upwards and circle Castle Rock.
• Castle Rock is a great spot for climbing all year round.
• Toilet.

Wildlife

The large variety of plants growing on Castle Rock provide an ideal environment for an abundance of insects such as the large iridescent predatory beetle, the camouflaged spiders hiding in the rock and the brightly coloured copper butterflies.

Plant life

The rocky outcrops of Castle Rock create ideal microclimates for plants ranging from velvety red algae in the crevices of the rock, to cabbage trees and orchids at its base. Three regional endemic species: Banks Peninsula Hebe, Banks Peninsula blue tussock and Hebe strictissima can be amongst the rocky out-crops. Hebes, mountain daisies and sun orchids take advantage of the gaps and cracks on the side of the Rock. On the eastern side silver tussocks and muehlenbeckia bushes grow in abundance. On the western side of the rock, shrubs, ferns, flax and prostate kowhai communities screen the base.