Timing

Take care exploring the area, as deep holes, sinuous caves and low overhangs could cause injury. A torch is essential for delving into the deeper caves.

Access

There are two carparks, one at either end of the track. The Lake Carpark is 11.8 km south of Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, the Spillway Carpark is 12.6 km south. Both carparks signpost the start of the track.

Track

Take care exploring the area, as deep holes, sinuous caves and low overhangs could cause injury. A torch is essential for delving into the deeper caves.

This description applies from the Spillway Carpark. The track in this direction is marked with orange triangles. If attempting the walk from the Lake Carpark, the track is marked with blue triangles.

There’s a gentle climb along the convoluted and twisting track with regrowth vegetation interspersed with splinter blocks of rock. A lookout shows an interesting section of the rock, with the bedding planes clearly visible. Another viewpoint frames the lake with foliage.

The track diverges briefly at a signpost marked ‘track’ and ‘bypass’. Both meet again, ‘bypass’ sliding under an overhang, ‘track’ passing through a long tunnel and cave.

Two more lookouts take in shimmering lake views. This section contains the most caves. You will need a torch, as little light penetrates the rock crevices. Look for glow worms and cave weta.

The track twists and turns, rises and falls, arriving at the Lake Carpark, 800 metres along the road from the Spillway Carpark. Either return along the same track or follow the road.

Geology

The massive landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana, blocking its outlet at the Waikaretaheke River, spread debris 300 metres thick over the area. A second landslide then accumulated material on top of the first, remaining mostly intact during its transit. The minor cracks and fractures now form the Onepoto Caves. In many areas of the cave complex you can see how the blocks joined together in a jigsaw-like fracture.

Polynesian History

To Maori, the caves were known as Te Ana-o-Tawa. They were frequently used as places to hide when war parties raided the area. Tuai, a notable chief, once slew his enemy from the entrance to a cave as they tried to overcome his resistance.