Top Things to do in South Island
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The 10 Best Caverns & Caves in South Island, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Rawhiti Cave Track, Clifden Caves, Ngarua Caves, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Maori Leap Cave, ABC Cave, Cathedral Caves Walk, Punakaiki Cavern, Takiroa Rock Art Site, Cobden Cave.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Rawhiti Cave Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Dennis695 - Brisbane, Australia
we met some people on a previous walk and they told us about the cave so we had to do it .It started off easy enough then got very steep fortunately we met several people who were on their way down and all said it was well worth the effort which helped drive us on and we were so pleased we did it was sensational and the temperature drop in the cave was amazing
2. Clifden Caves
3. Ngarua Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By LaraF579 - Upper Hutt, New Zealand
This is a great place to visit if you are staying around the area - Motueka, Marahau, Kaiteriteri, Takaka etc. We were staying in Marahau and it took us about an hour to drive here. Depending on the timing of the traffic lights on Takaka Hill (due to roadworks) it can add an extra 15 minutes to your journey so allow time for this if you are heading from that direction. Guided tours depart every hour on the hour and take about 45 minutes. It is recommended you have suitable (walking) footwear, and an extra layer or two of clothing as it’s cooler underground in the caves (it was about 11 degrees the day we did it) so if you generally feel the cold you’d want a couple of layers. The caves are interesting with the Moa bones and there are some amazing formations - definitely worth the visit. The ‘cabin’ or shop sells some lovely souvenirs. There are the standard items such as magnets and t shirts however there are some different items such as knitted (alpaca wool) hats and pebble art pictures. You can purchase hot or cold drinks, ice creams/blocks, and there is a small selection of food available too. This is a great activity to do in any weather. Note: There is a ladder at the end of the tour which you climb to get out of the caves however it’s nothing too strenuous. There are toilets located at the cabin where you start and finish the tour.
4. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,476 reviews
Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an underground network of limestone caves lit by hundreds of glowworms. In the darkness they produce a glittering display. Carved out by the force of the river, the underground world is surprisingly beautiful with whirlpools and roaring waterfalls. Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau and then our nature guides will take you in groups through the caves and then in a small boat into the grotto. Departs Te Anau.
Reviewed By 554michaelr554 - Umina Beach, Australia
I know there are many sites around the world you can see glowworms but this tour is so different. Harry (Potter) our guide was full of very interesting information on all things glowworm and also provided a lot of information on the formation of the underground caves,. After a short walk through the cave we reached an underground jetty where we stepped into a small dinghy and in complete darkness Harry used a wall mounted chain to pull us along a section filled with glowworms. What an absolutely marvellous experience. Once back at the kiosk we were given a short slideshow lecture on the life and times of the glowworm, overall a fantastic experience. I should add that the boat ride to the glowworms was also interesting with informative information on Lake Te Anau as well as a slight detour along the way to highlight some of the more picturesque aspects of Lake Te Anau
5. Maori Leap Cave
6. ABC Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
You can stay overnight in the cave.
Reviewed By 422iana - Dunedin, New Zealand
Worth a scramble around. The last time I was there was a few years ago. The platform does not have that much bird poo on it. Remember that to go to the caves you need to have some experience in the outdoors as the conditions will change. Don't go out there with jeans and look up the mountain safty council videos on the outdoors.
7. Cathedral Caves Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 164 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
During our 5 day visit to the Catlins this was by far the most popular spot for travellers, that said it still wasn’t overly busy. You need to time the tides right to gain access to the caves as it must be low tide so access is available two hours before low tide and one hour after low tide when tides fall within daylight hours of 7.30am and 9.00pm. If you have time there are more caves a little further on. That said the main event remains the 199 metre u turn cave with 2 openings. While down on the coast take the time to view yet another beautiful beach. The climb up the hill (100 vertical metres over a 1.5km track) has a couple of steep spots. We viewed both sets of caves and were down and back in 75 minutes. The caves are closed and inaccessible over the winter months. Entry is $10 per adult and $2 per child. EFTPOS available.
8. Punakaiki Cavern
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 96 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By AuntyDnz
The Cavern is a super cool cave to explore, with lots of twists and turns. You will need a torch, as it is super dark in there.
