Yesterday, I had the day off and was invited to go on a day trip to Castle Hill (unfortunately Bridget had to work). Castle Hill is a small area in the central South Island which contains some very interesting geological formations. The most notable formations are its limestone boulders that litter the landscape. The boulders are the result of three mountains ranges all pushing together in one central spot in a triangle formation. The limestone below is being thrust upward and the boulders are what is left from the elements...earthquakes, erosion, etc.
The purpose of my visit however was not particularly geology related. Castle Hill is known for its world renowned rock climbing, specifically bouldering. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing usually done without the use of ropes and performed on very short routes. Most place a crash pad underneath the climber for protection in the event of a fall. Anyone who is anyone is the New Zealand rock climbing world has climbed at Castle Hill. It was recently said to be one of the top three places in the world to boulder (as rated by a New Zealand magazine...they think pretty highly of their own terrain).
Most of my day was spent wondering through, over, under, around, and on this massive boulder field. Without climbing shoes, I was pretty limited to what I could climb but did spend some time in my bare feet playing on this boulder:
I don't know if you can make it out but the scenery behind was awesome. It was my first glimpse of the New Zealand Southern Alps (well, the start of them anyway). Here are some more pics from the day.
The mountain view from the summit of Castle Hill
A section of the Castle Hill boulder field. These rocks are about 70 to 80 feet high.
View from the car park.
For some more epic pictures, check out their website: http://www.tota.co.nz/castlehill/
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