Access and camping at Castle Hill
I'm heading to Castle Hill to boulder next weekend, someone told me a while ago that the fireplace at the Craigieburn campground was closed.
Have there been changes in the use of the campground?
And do I need to call for access to Spittle and Flock Hill?
All of the fireplaces at the Craigieburn picnic area have been removed and the fireplace in the shelter has been boarded over. So, no fires there anymore.
It was classed as an 'informal' DOC campground, ie they tolerated casual campers who looked after themselves. As there has been a huge increase in the numbers of people camping there (and many climbers not treating the area with respect), there may have been changes to the arrangement.
You could check by contacting the Rangiora DOC area office. Alternatively, if there have been changes to camping there, you can also camp at Lake Pearson, 10mins further towards Arthur's Pass.
It is highly unlikely that you will need chains.
Recent weather should be on here

Not sure about the camp ground but there is a process for Flock Hill outlined here
http://flockhill.blogspot.com/
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