Dark Castle is the predator fenced area in the north of Kura Tāwhiti Scenic Reserve.
Please be very careful of the fauna and flora if you are venturing in the area. There are many extremely rare plants in the area (like the Castle Hill Buttercup ). Please only climb on the established classics to the south and west of the field. Best to stay away from the more fragile area to the north and any boulders with scree landings.
Because the deep cultural and spiritual ties to tangata whenua (Ngāi Tahu), Kura Tāwhiti was designated as a Tōpuni in 1998. This status reflects Ngāi Tahu’s commitment to protecting the area’s high natural and heritage values.
Please tread lightly and treat this iconic landscape with the respect it deserves.
3 recorded climbs.
| Climb | Grade | # Recorded Ascents | Ascents Recorded Between |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angel of Pain | 8b+ | 4 | 1st January 1991 – 27th October 2007 |
| Climb | Grade | # Recorded Ascents | Ascents Recorded Between |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Listening | E5 | 1 | 1st January 1980 – 1st January 1981 |
| Rambandit | E3 | 1 | 1st January 1978 – 1st January 1979 |