Waipu Caves - Northland

by Gail
(Auckland)

A trip to Waipu Caves to see the glow worms sounded like a good day trip from Mangawhai where we were staying with friends.

Arriving at the caves we found we had only one small torch between six of us! Not a good start to a cave walk. The Cave opening was wide and the ground rather muddy. We followed the path way edging the cave wall.....but had not gone far when we realised this was NOT going
to work.

Waipu Cave is for Experienced Cavers

Exiting the cave we were fortunate to meet up with a young local guy. He explained that you needed caving gear...and that in the depths of the cave you could be up to your waist in water. He advised it was for experienced cavers....as it became very narrow and a tight fit as you got well in.

The cave is in three sections with the glow worms in the third chamber.

However....it was interesting seeing the front section of the cave.....and we decided we would do the walk up the hill instead.

This area has large karst stones and is lovely with the large smooth, mossy boulders set amongst native trees.One was huge and looked just like a large foot!

Bush Walk

We followed the well formed and marked pathway........until we emerged from the bush and were into grass and farmland.

We could have carried on further to the top for some even better more expansive views.....but lunch was calling. We made our way back down and picnicked under the trees in the lovely open paddock set up for visitors with parking and toilets.

Explore the Cave Front ....then take a bush walk up the hill

I would not recommend venturing any further than the very front part of the Cave unless you know what you are getting into ...but the walk was beautiful and well worth doing.If you do go further into the cave you need to be properly equipped.

I recommend this as a good day trip for those fit enough to cope with some steep, though easy walking.It is only 2kms so not a long walk.

You need to take drinks and food....you are some distance from any shops.

Getting There : Waipu Caves are 16 kms NW of Waipu.From Auckland head north on SH1. South of Oakleigh turn onto Springfield Road ...drive 22km. Turn left into Waipu Caves Road continue on another 8km. Waipu Caves Reserve is on the left and signposted.