Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
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!
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.
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.
Cave Stream is 3km from Castle Hill Village towards Arthurs Pass.
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.
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.
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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Coordinates |