Story: Rock, limestone and clay

Just over one hour from Christchurch on the road to Arthur’s Pass is Castle Hill – named for the ramparts of limestone found there. The area is popular with climbers. The Ngāi Tahu people regard it as sacred, and refer to it as Kura Tawhiti. For Ngāi Tahu, it was an important stopover point on journeys to the West Coast, and a seasonal food-gathering place. The numerous rock overhangs were used for shelter.