Part of the Conservation Area - Castle Hill (s.25 - Stewardship Area) – a conservation category which provides protection based on the natural and historic values of the land. Gorge Hill and Prebble Hill were once part of Castle Hill Station but were purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund and returned to the Crown. Another piece of public conservation land within this location is Scenic Reserve Prebble Hill (an 8 hectare section within the boulders).
Prebble Hill (‘Teapot’) and Gorge Hill are both closed to all visitors from 14 Oct – 1 Dec each year. Castle Hill Station has a grazing lease on both Hills which allows for a closure for lambing. Public access is allowed outside of this time frame. Please be mindful that it is both a working farm and a conservation area.
Access
Official access point to both Prebble Hill (‘Teapot’) and Gorge Hill is via the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. The track is vague and may change seasonally due to weather events and river adaptations. Involves crossing the river at least twice. Do not cross if it's running swift or high, you're responsible for your own safety. Best to be shown precise route from other climbers.
An alternate route is via the Porter River marginal strip, an approx 4km+ walk along riverbed from rest area where SH73 crosses Porter River. Involves at least two river crossings. Status of track unknown. It is not recommended to use this route.
Please do not walk in via the Thomas River or along the terrace above it. The Castle Hill Station farm managers, Selwyn District Council and DOC have all agreed that this route is not practicable and requested that climbers do not use this access route. Please respect this decision. It is important that climbers act responsibly and foster goodwill with both farm managers and local authorities to ensure long term access is viable.
Check https://www.doc.govt.nz/map/index.html for details of boundaries and marginal strips.
