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The Top 20 Caves in New Zealand

Looking to visit a cave in New Zealand on your next adventure? To help you better plan your next outdoor experience, we’ve collected New Zealand’s 20

best caves for you. Based on the experiences of other users, each is a recommendation you know you can trust — so you can better plan your next adventure.

Last updated: November 1, 2025

Cathedral Cove Arch

Highlight • Natural Monument

Update December 2024:
Cathedral Cove is accessible on foot again! A new section of trail has been built.

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Cave Stream Exit

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After a final ladder passage along an underground waterfall, cave crossings reach the daylight again.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Highlight • Cave

Absolute must! The glowworms are simply awesome, like stars in the sky

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Cave Stream Scenic Reserve Cave Entrance

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The cave can be crossed upstream. Attention the water is very cold. A wetsuit, waterproof headlamp and suitable shoes should at least be there. You also have to be able to slip through very low passages.

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Tatare Tunnel

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You will DEFINITELY require waterproof shoes to enjoy the whole 500 m watery exploration 'Tatare Waltz'! ;) Also, be equipped with a torch or head light as recommended in flyers …

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Punakaiki Cavern

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With a flashlight you can penetrate relatively far into the interior of the cave.

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Cave Passage at Stillwell Bay

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It might be very hard to get there if the high tide is at its peak. Otherwise you just have to climb over a few boulders from Stillwell Bay to …

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Cave Rock, Sumner Beach

Highlight • Cave

Showers, changing rooms, toilets. The removal of shells from the beach is expressly prohibited.

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Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

A very unusual place with a stench of sulfur, geysers, bubbling mud holes and in amazing colors.

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Ruatapu Cave and Pool of Mirrors

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The Ruatapu cave extends over 36 m in volcanic tuff to the hot pool "Waiwhakaata" or "Pool of Mirrors".

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The Top 20 Caves in New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Arch

Cave Stream Exit

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve Cave Entrance

Tatare Tunnel

Punakaiki Cavern

Cave Passage at Stillwell Bay

Cave Rock, Sumner Beach

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Ruatapu Cave and Pool of Mirrors

Other adventures in New Zealand

Most popular routes in New Zealand

Most popular attractions in New Zealand

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

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