Once upon a time (or so the story goes) the Dalai Lama visited here and said this was the spritual center of the universe. Do I have your attention?

Castle Hill Basin, nestled somewhere between the Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges, is THE place to boulder for most of the club's members. It hosts some of the most surreal landscapes seen by me at least (and apparently the Dalai Lama agrees - I called him last week just to check - he said yes). But we're not there just to gawk at the scenery are we? No of course not - which is why this area is also host to some wicked climbing.

This is the bouldering mecca of New Zealand, and one of the pristine areas on the world climbing map. There are a few routes to have a blast on, and like anything else here they are really excellent. But as far as sheer numbers go, bouldering problems outweigh routes hundreds to one. So if you are a boulderer, chances are you've already heard of this place. If not - well join the club and there will be plenty experience!

Get There

From Christchurch, you want to head towards Arthurs Pass on SH73. A shortcut I always take is a right turn onto Old West Coast Rd just past Yaldhurst on the outskirts of Christchurch. If you follow that it will lead you right back onto SH73 at Waddington. Continue on up past Sheffield (great bakery - best pies in the world) and Springfield (lovely coffee shop, a pub and a gas station) right up and over Porters Pass, and approximately 10km past there you'll look out for thousands of boulders on the left. Park where all the other cars are. Make sure you secure your car because there have been break-ins.

Areas

Quantum Field/Spittle Hill

This is the area you just parked next to - and is the most popular area due to it's proximity to the car park (you'll find that, against all logic, climbers are in fact quite lazy). Spittle hill is on the left as you walk along the race towards Quantum Field. Obviously then, Quantum Field is the area past those REALLY HUGE boulders straight ahead. Either of these two areas will take literally years to explore and do all of the problems on, as together they host more than 5000 problems!

Cave Stream/Flock Hill/Dry Valley

Ok so you've spent the last three years exploring Quantum/Spittle and you're ready for something more? Well good news - because although this place requires a little more effort to get to, it too makes up for it with thousands of pristine climbs and square kilometers of unexplored rock face. Get back into your car and continue 5km down the road to Cave Stream car park. From here you can see Flock Hill straight ahead and to the left, and Dry Valley on the right of that. You are standing above Cave Stream (go on, give it a go - it's a 45 min walk in pitch dark - just read the safety sign first. You'll need trousers, good sneakers and a torch each. Do not go alone.)

Other Info

Do not drop rubbish. Do not drop rubbish! DO NOT DROP RUBBISH!

This includes ANYTHING you take up there with you. Biodegradable or not - do not leave anything in this area because it is a beautiful place that needs looking after.
I'll say it one more time.... all together now....

Do NOT drop rubbish.

Oh, and secure your car and hide your stuff because there have been break-ins.

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