Popular climbing area to get new car park
Date: 11 April 2008
Construction is to start on a new car park and access track for the most scenic spot on the highway between Canterbury and the West Coast - Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill).
The limestone tors are a popular stop for climbers, boulderers, walkers and photographers, but the amount of traffic often parked on the side of the Great Alpine Highway (SH73) here is a significant road hazard.
The Department of Conservation and Transit New Zealand will jointly fund the development of a new car park and walking track access to Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area, with the work to start on Monday 14 April. DOC expects the project to be completed within 8 weeks.
"Until now, stopping at this popular site has meant pulling over to park on the side of the road on a very fast stretch of the highway, which is quite dangerous," said Kingsley Timpson, DOC Area Manager for Waimakariri.
"Thanks to the support of neighbouring landowners involved, Ngāi Tahu and Transit we've come up with a solution that ensures the public can now safely visit one of our most treasured conservation areas."
While construction of the car park takes place, the usual access point will be closed. Instead, temporary access to the conservation area will be provided, further west towards Castle Hill Village. Parking will still be beside SH73 until the car park is finished. People visiting the conservation area should follow the directions and signs onsite, for their own safety and the safety of others.
The car park and walking track development at Kura Tāwhiti is the first of two projects being undertaken concurrently alongside the Great Alpine Highway by the Department of Conservation. Cave Stream Scenic Reserve just a few kilometres up the road will also undergo major redevelopment in the next few months.
A completely new car park, toilet block, tracks, viewing platforms, landscaping and interpretation is planned for the site and will start in the next few weeks. The extensive site renovations and heavy earth works will require the reserve to be closed to the public for 10-12 weeks from the end of April. The Department apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period.
"Both of these projects will see improved and much safer access provided to these public reserves in the Canterbury high country," said Kingsley Timpson.
"Castle Hill Basin is one of New Zealand's outstanding landscapes and these new facilities will ensure people can enjoy these amazing and significant cultural sites."
The Department of Conservation would like to acknowledge the support of Ngāi Tahu and Transit New Zealand for the Kura Tāwhiti project and also wishes to recognise the ongoing support of Castle Hill Station and land owner John Reid.