Caving in New Zealand

From deep caving systems to beautiful limestone formations, New Zealand has underground adventures for all interests and cavers of all levels.

Spelunkers (or cavers) claim New Zealand’s caves are up there for challenge with the best caving systems in the world.

In the North Island the best known caves are the famous Waitomo Caves, which offer an easily accessible caving experience with their limestone formations and glow-worms. It also has a network of more difficult caves for more experienced and confident cavers. And for those looking for something special, why not try Black Water Rafting through the caves.

For something really challenging, the Tasman Mountains, north-west of Nelson, are some of the world's largest and deepest caving systems, with many caves still to be explored. Nearby on the Takaka Hill (Marble Mountain) is Harwoods Hole, one of the world's largest sinkholes, just off the main Motueka-Takaka road.