Kura Tāwhiti, or Castle Hill (named by early European travelers) Conservation Area is a majestic geographical attraction one mustn’t miss when traveling through Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill.
Explore the spectacular limestone landscape where the grand battle scenes of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” were filmed.
The Kura Tāwhiti Access Track provides an easy walk to get close to the nature marvels for better appreciation of the sizes of the natural rock sculptures.
From the paved track, a network of unmarked trails go up and around the incredible limestone formations. Just be mindful of the human impact you could make and make sure:
- Not to enter the fenced area.
- Not to dig holes or disturb the ground surface.
- Not to step on endangered plants (use the open spaces between rock outcrops rather than the bases of rock faces); With just 67 plants in existence, the critically endangered Castle Hill buttercup can only be found within the 6-ha reserve.
- Not to litter; use the toilet facilities provided.
- Not to carve, draw or mark the surface of the rocks.
Being underwater 30 million years ago, these limestone outcrops were formed from shells on the seafloor and were compressed over many years. Then, collision of tectonic plates pushed these mountain ranges up and exposed the limestone rocks. Over time, rain, wind and groundwater eroded the rock, leaving the landscape littered with these boulders (and shark teeth).
700 years ago, the first iwi (tribes) used to hunt the now extinct giant moa (large flightless birds that grow up to 240 kilograms and 2 meters tall) in this area. At the time, they shared the food resources with the largest eagles known to ever exist, called pouākai (Hasst’s eagles). A full grown pouākai weigh up to 15 kilograms with a wingspan of 3 meters with talons that could piece the skin of a moa and sever its spinal column.
When the moa population began to decline due to overhunting. The pouākai began to prey on humans. As a result, the tribes learned how to snare and kill the giant eagles. The last of the pouākai were snared and killed, and any nests and chicks found were destroyed.
More photos of Castle Hill Conservation Area:
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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