Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve
New Zealand

A natural wonder featuring a limestone cave system with glowworms.

Last updated: January 30, 2026
Distance TBC km
Duration TBC h
Climb Easy
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Cave Exploration

1h

Self-guided cave exploration. The main cavern is accessible and features glowworms. Deeper exploration requires wading through water and navigating tight squeezes.

Gear Checklist

Transport & Parking

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Parking Tip

Free parking available.

Environment

Unlit limestone cave system; headlamps/torches are mandatory (phone light is insufficient).

Ground inside is extremely slippery with clay and mud; sturdy grip shoes are essential.

Possible wading through cold water depending on how deep you explore.

Our Story

This is a free spot where you can see glowworms. It was our first cave exploration, so we were a bit nervous, but seeing other people inside made us worry less. However, there were no signs, and we didn’t know how deep we should go. We walked until the passage became so low that we couldn’t pass even while squatting, so we turned back.

SLIPPERY
DARKNESS
NO SIGNAL