Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Cave Walk - Craigieburn
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Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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Information
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Cave walk takes 1 hr The cave is 594m long and is one of the regions natural gems. Limestone formations nearby were the setting for the filming of “Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.
If you are fit, are suitably equipped and have never caved before, then this is your perfect introduction.
But first........Read what people say in their reviews, this little walk is winner.
A great adventure, scouring holes, terraces and small waterfalls while inside the cave. Word of warning though be prepared, lives have been lost here, caving parties should have at least two reliable lights per person plus spare batteries, warm polypropylene or wool clothing, and sturdy footwear.
Walking Track
Timing
If the water is discoloured or frothy, then DO NOT enter.
If the pool at the cave outlet is above waist height on an adult, then DO NOT enter.
Access
Cave Stream is 3km from Castle Hill Village towards Arthurs Pass.
Track
Before you go, read the DoC sign at the entrance and make sure you follow the advice:
2 torches per person with spare batteries. Without a torch, you are stuffed!
Adequate warm clothing. The water is always chilly.
Are you fit?
Let someone know your intentions.
Have a read of https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/canterbury/waimakariri/cave-stream-brochure.pdf
There are several small waterfalls you must climb while in the cave. A 3 m high waterfall at the inlet end can be circumvented with the ladder bolted to the wall. There’s a crawl along a ledge to get out back into the warmth of a high country Canterbury heat.
Watch the water level in the cave. Normally the deepest section (at the first corner from the cave outlet end) is just above waist level on an adult, If there is snow on the hills the water is going to be very chilly on your ..... the water will be near freezing and hypothermia is a possibility. If the stream is abnormally high, with the water dis-coloured or foaming, do not attempt to enter. Read the warning signs about entering the cave - remember this is a serious adventure, the cave has claimed lives.
When going through the cave, the cave passage meanders and twists in pitch darkness for 594 metres between the two entrances. It takes approximately one hour to go through. If care is taken, fit, inexperienced cavers can go through.
Cavers are recommended to enter the cave at the outflow end and walk against the flow of the stream. There are several small waterfalls to climb. To assist climbing out the inlet end of the cave, a rung ladder ascends beside the waterfall. A chain and steps help to get along the overhang ledge to the exit.
This cave walk is not suitable for small children.
Geology
The limestone here was formed around 30 million years ago from successive layers of marine organisms, mud and sand, which were compressed, heated and then uplifted at the same time as the Craigeburn and Torlesse Ranges. Once surfaced, the weathering agents of wind, water and frost have sculpted the rounded forms of the karst landscape.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Caving
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
Great cave hike!
Completed it in Teva’s and swimming trunks. Def agree to have two torches. Pitch black without. A couple of somewhat tricky sections, but tons of fun. Highly recommend.
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5.0/5
Absolutely fantastic activity even though the water was extremely cold it was great fun.
You don’t really need helmets but we had our ski ones and they were worth wearing as well as a pair of gloves. Read the info board and stick by the depth of water at the start, of it was any deeper than my waist it would have been more than a real challenge in places.
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5.0/5
One of the coolest things we did the entire trip.
The trek is about 45min. You’ll need a bathing suit and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (my friend did it in flip flops, he says, “it wasn’t easy”). Water mildly cold for us Canadians. Max it gets us up to your waist. Some small technical bits (climbing a ladder and some small waterfalls). As long as you watch where you step it’s fine. We went in mid March and didn’t need a wetsuit or any of that crazy stuff. Bring a headlamp and I wouldn’t suggest doing it alone. We saw a water eek - kind of cool. No spiders or any creepy stuff.
Overall super cool, would do again.
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5.0/5
Our son took us through this with his wife.water was strong and deep but afterwards I realised how good it was.
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5.0/5
Had the bright idea of doing this at the end of March, after a rainy day and night, with a shitty torch in my hand.
Some reviews say it is an easy walk but it varies a lot, the water was pretty high and at some point we couldn't get over a waterfall in the middle of the run, tried to climb around it but I fell off like an idiot but luckily I didn't hit anything. The walk Is absolutely amazing HOWEVER please don't go alone and take a fucking headtorch. Really fun to do but it was a bit scary, as someone who did this in not the easiest conditions I can say that it is still doable and can be fun but don't go alone and think well about going in. Water was cold af too. Best thing I did in NZ for me ;)
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4.5/5
A great location, you can walk through a cave, round about 45 minutes.
It is dark inside and you need a head torch. The water is a little bit cold but a great experience.
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5.0/5
One of the best things we did in NZ while touring South Island.
All the signs give serious warnings about being properly equipped, as long as you are sensible and follow the advice not to go further if the first pool is above your chest you'll be fine -definitely bring a torch, preferable one for your head. A reasonable level of fitness required in that you've to scramble up a couple of bits - a leg up is usually enough though. Worth having a warm layer on but if you don't hang about too long and it's warm outside you'll be grand. A real giggle with friends and take time to look about you, not just at your feet to see where you are going, some people were shooting off past us, I hope they took in the wonder of what was above them.
A fun activity to do outwith the usual organised tours/activities and a pretty unique traverse through a cave. So glad we ticked this one off.
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5.0/5
The most adventurous walk we did in NZ!
You get to walk waist deep in crystal clear flowing water through an underground cave and climb small waterfalls - perfect, pitch black adventure!
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5.0/5
Great chance to explore an exciting and fun cave for free!
Took all of my family (parents are 60). Walk through a limestone cave with water up to your knees for 45 minutes. All you need is some warm clothes and a torch!
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4.5/5
Well organised paths to all features.
Not geared up to walk through the cave stream but looks very demanding and not for the faint hearted - would give it a go, if I had the gear!
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4.5/5
Just one word: AMAZING.
Completely in the dark, in cold water, a good experience and free.
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5.0/5
Great cave hike!
Completed it in Teva’s and swimming trunks. Def agree to have two torches. Pitch black without. A couple of somewhat tricky sections, but tons of fun. Highly recommend.
-
5.0/5
Absolutely fantastic activity even though the water was extremely cold it was great fun.
You don’t really need helmets but we had our ski ones and they were worth wearing as well as a pair of gloves. Read the info board and stick by the depth of water at the start, of it was any deeper than my waist it would have been more than a real challenge in places.
-
5.0/5
One of the coolest things we did the entire trip.
The trek is about 45min. You’ll need a bathing suit and shoes you don’t mind getting wet (my friend did it in flip flops, he says, “it wasn’t easy”). Water mildly cold for us Canadians. Max it gets us up to your waist. Some small technical bits (climbing a ladder and some small waterfalls). As long as you watch where you step it’s fine. We went in mid March and didn’t need a wetsuit or any of that crazy stuff. Bring a headlamp and I wouldn’t suggest doing it alone. We saw a water eek - kind of cool. No spiders or any creepy stuff.
Overall super cool, would do again.
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5.0/5
Our son took us through this with his wife.water was strong and deep but afterwards I realised how good it was.
-
5.0/5
Had the bright idea of doing this at the end of March, after a rainy day and night, with a shitty torch in my hand.
Some reviews say it is an easy walk but it varies a lot, the water was pretty high and at some point we couldn't get over a waterfall in the middle of the run, tried to climb around it but I fell off like an idiot but luckily I didn't hit anything. The walk Is absolutely amazing HOWEVER please don't go alone and take a fucking headtorch. Really fun to do but it was a bit scary, as someone who did this in not the easiest conditions I can say that it is still doable and can be fun but don't go alone and think well about going in. Water was cold af too. Best thing I did in NZ for me ;)
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5.0/5
One of the best things we did in NZ while touring South Island.
All the signs give serious warnings about being properly equipped, as long as you are sensible and follow the advice not to go further if the first pool is above your chest you'll be fine -definitely bring a torch, preferable one for your head. A reasonable level of fitness required in that you've to scramble up a couple of bits - a leg up is usually enough though. Worth having a warm layer on but if you don't hang about too long and it's warm outside you'll be grand. A real giggle with friends and take time to look about you, not just at your feet to see where you are going, some people were shooting off past us, I hope they took in the wonder of what was above them.
A fun activity to do outwith the usual organised tours/activities and a pretty unique traverse through a cave. So glad we ticked this one off.
-
5.0/5
The most adventurous walk we did in NZ!
You get to walk waist deep in crystal clear flowing water through an underground cave and climb small waterfalls - perfect, pitch black adventure!
-
4.5/5
A great location, you can walk through a cave, round about 45 minutes.
It is dark inside and you need a head torch. The water is a little bit cold but a great experience.
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5.0/5
Great chance to explore an exciting and fun cave for free!
Took all of my family (parents are 60). Walk through a limestone cave with water up to your knees for 45 minutes. All you need is some warm clothes and a torch!
-
4.5/5
Well organised paths to all features.
Not geared up to walk through the cave stream but looks very demanding and not for the faint hearted - would give it a go, if I had the gear!
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4.5/5
Just one word: AMAZING.
Completely in the dark, in cold water, a good experience and free.
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5.0/5
It is really amazing and it is free!
40 minute walk in the dark and beautiful rocks inside with the stream!
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5.0/5
So exciting experience.
A bit scary but keep going! Worth it! Do not forget a torch and check the water level before going in.
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5.0/5
We wish we knew earlier about the Caves because we missed on near Invercargill.
But it is perfect that they are open for the public - especially this one!
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5.0/5
600m of course in the cave with running water in it.
Intriguing track and fun with the water.
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5.0/5
This was definitely one of the most amazing natural places I visited on my holiday.
As it was winter we didn't go caving but thought it might be worthwhile to at least walk up to the entrance. IT SO WAS! The photos do not do the enormity of this place justice, it was absolutely incredible!!
A tip: be sure to do both Walk 3 (to the entrance) and the far left side of Walk 2 to the cave exit.
VERY IMPORTANT TIP: It is important to remember at all times that people have died going into this cave. The gravity of this did not hit us until we reached the exit of the cave, where an extremely powerful water source plunges into a 3m deep pool. I was scared to go too far in on the left side, it was that powerful.
But it's definitely worth seeing and doing in warmer weather, just be aware of the water levels, power and whether it's been raining or not. I firmly believe the caving part of the walk should not be done in winter as hypothermia is a huge risk.
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5.0/5
Really cool experience and kind of creepy.
On hot days the water is not too cold and you do not need special clothes. Round about 500m through a stream in a cave.
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4.0/5
Good to have information about the caves formation.
Good short track to enter the caves.
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5.0/5
1 hour prepared DOC walk in a complete dark cave with walking in the river that flows through the cave, torch required - will get wet - even climbing up little waterfalls - BEST thing ever.
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5.0/5
Underground river which you can walk through, need torches and clothes that can get wet, so much fun!
A real New Zealand adventure!
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5.0/5
The best trip for free.
It is so exciting and you have so much fun - do not forget a light.
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5.0/5
Great, loved it!
Just fantastic, make sure you have light! Wear from warm waist upwards. Water shoes essential. Enjoy!
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5.0/5
Funny to walk in the water stream, water was not cold - nice is summer, take a headlamp with you.
