Caving in New Zealand - Subterranean Adventure
Caving is the adventure sport of exploring caves. Speleology is the scientific term for it. New Zealand has some of the world's most exciting and challenging caves to explore.
Do not have the notion that you have to be an experienced caver to enjoy New Zealand caving. It is true the challenges of caving depends on the type of cave being visited.
Over time, the availability of modern protective clothing and equipment has caused caving to be recognised as an adventure sport in its own right.
Your caving experience could range from a visual treat of enjoying a simple walk through a glow worm grotto to an action packed high intensity adventure of dangling from ropes and climbing and sliding through narrow passages. The latter variety requires a high level of physical fitness.
New Zealand is home to the honeycombed Karst or limestone caves. In North Island, Waitomo caves in Waikato are very famous for a wide range of stimulating activities. There are organised tours for an ordinary walk through the caves and also the extreme variety where you dangle from ropes, abseil and slide through narrow passages.
A mind blowing caving adventure is the 100 metre abseiling into the Lost World Cave (or tomo) in Waitomo.
In the South Island, the Te Anau glow worm caves in Fiordland are very popular. Nettlebed cave on Mt. Arthur in North Western Nelson is the deepest cave at 889 metres.
Bulmer Cavern near Nettlebed is New Zealand's longest cave at over 50 kilometres. The Ngarua cave on Takaka Hill in Nelson is a popular destination for guided tours.
In the North Western Nelson region, on the road from Motueka to Takaka is the biggest tomo in the Southern Hemisphere called the Harwood's Hole.
It is 400 metres deep and 70 metres wide with a 183 metre vertical drop. Be very cautious when you approach the hole as accidents have happened before. This is the ultimate caving adventure for experienced cavers only.
Points to note:
- Ensure that you are accompanied by an experienced caver on any caving expedition. Being a part of a guided tour is the best solution.
- For utmost safety, carry three sources of light in the form of a headlight on the helmet, a torch and candles.
- Carry a map of the region.
- Wear good protective clothing.
- Double check your caving equipment, especially the harness which is used when climbing rocks.
- Carry a first aid kit.
For technical information on caving in New Zealand, please visit
New Zealand Speleological Societ
y
To travel around different caving destinations, a New Zealand car rental and/or a New Zealand campervan is an absolute must. We can assist you with your transportation needs so that you can have a hassle free caving adventure of your lifetime.
