Waipu Caves

Useful Information

Location:	16 km nw of Waipu. From Auckland north on SH1 towards Whangarei, south of Oakleigh turn onto Springfield Road for 22 km. Turn left onto Waipu Caves Road for 8 km. Waipu Caves Reserve left signposted.
Open:	no restrictions. [2008]
Fee:	free. [2008]
Classification:	Karst cave Glow Worm
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	Main Cave: L=175 m.
Guided tours:
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

At Waipu Caves there are actualy several small caves, so the plural is true. All caves together have a total length of about 300 m, the biggest cave has abour 175 m. The caves are not developed but open to the public and much frequented. As there is mud and narrow crawls, caving gear is essential. At least old clothes and clothes to change afterwards.

The highlight is the third chamber of the main cave, which contains glow worms. Actually glow worms are pretty common in New Zealand, they are found in almost every cave. But it is difficult to see them and easy to disturb them so they do not glow any more. So be carful and as silent as possible when you enter the cave.

At the caves a hiking trail starts. The area around the caves is a typical karst area with many fine sights, like karren, strangely eroded rocks, and dolines. The trail is 2 km long and shows the most interesting sights of this karst.