Rawhiti Cave route
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Rawhiti Cave route
Time: 2 hr return
Rawhiti Cave is a decent walk up a steep gully. But the effort is worth it. This cave is different to others as it receives winter sun. So the the stalactites at the cave entrance and within the cave itself contain plant matter that are attracted to the light ( Phytokarst features ). So these stalactites actually grow towards the light instead of straight down.
Although guided tours came here around 100 years ago, these have long since stopped, so it's become very unspoilt and not too touristy.
The walk to the cave involves 25 minutes alongside a dry riverbed, then a good 20-30 minute crank up a steep hillside. The track is well marked, but the rocks can get very slippery after rain. So it's certainly something for those with a sense of adventure.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Caving
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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4.0/5
Steep and slippery track to a magnificent cave with unique formations.
From Packard Rd you can drive the farm track (leaving the gate as you find it) until you reach the parking area at the foot of the mountain. From there the rough and overgrown walking track follows the dry river bed through some nice forest.
When the track heads directly up the valley side you know you're in for a workout. It's a tough climb with many switch-backs that never seem to end.
The cave is well worth it and DOC has somewhat recently installed a platform inside with information about the history and formation.
You got this.
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2.0/5
Went to caves with kids but never recommend to take kids due to slippery and rocky track.
Very hard to climb up and coming down is more challenging. Its very dangerous to go with kids and never recommended to take risk with children. No one can help if someone slips..
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5.0/5
This cave is absolutely stunning!
We never expected it to be this big and overwhelming. The walk is pretty short but might be harder during wet days. We did it during a draught so it was very doable, it took us around 30 min to get there. Some parts were a little steep but definitely not too hard if you're moderately fit. Probably one of the best (free) caves we've seen in our life, don't miss this!
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4.5/5
Nearly did not see this place - very glad we did!
The caves huge entrance allows sunlight to the very back wall, this means the stalagmites grow unlike most others, towards the light. Well worth the climb!
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4.0/5
A challenging walk up a very steep narrow path which is quite slippery in some parts.
The climb is worth the effort though for the great scenery on the way up and the huge cave at the top!
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4.5/5
The climb is quite hard but the cave is so worth it!
The entrance to the caves is quite wet and slippery! Be careful. It is nothing if not adventurous getting up there. Someone gave us a top to go early, the sun really embraces the stalactites!
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4.0/5
The caves are unique to New Zealand, they are very old and open, so that the stalactites can grow towards the sun.
The view is absolutely breathtaking, you feel so small when you stand under all these stones and rocks. Just the way up to these caves, it is very hard and steep most of the time. I needed a few breaks during the walk and it took me about 45 minutes to get there. Anyway, you get a fantastic experience!
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5.0/5
Nice 40 minute walk along a river and through native bush up to a spectacular cave.
Good shoes recommended, especially if carrying a baby as sometimes quite steep and muddy.
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4.5/5
Magnificent cabe with stalactites from the underworld!
Difficult scramble up to the cave entrance and could prove treacherous in heavy rain, BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!! Epic spikes!!!
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4.0/5
Steep and slippery track to a magnificent cave with unique formations.
From Packard Rd you can drive the farm track (leaving the gate as you find it) until you reach the parking area at the foot of the mountain. From there the rough and overgrown walking track follows the dry river bed through some nice forest.
When the track heads directly up the valley side you know you're in for a workout. It's a tough climb with many switch-backs that never seem to end.
The cave is well worth it and DOC has somewhat recently installed a platform inside with information about the history and formation.
You got this.
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2.0/5
Went to caves with kids but never recommend to take kids due to slippery and rocky track.
Very hard to climb up and coming down is more challenging. Its very dangerous to go with kids and never recommended to take risk with children. No one can help if someone slips..
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5.0/5
This cave is absolutely stunning!
We never expected it to be this big and overwhelming. The walk is pretty short but might be harder during wet days. We did it during a draught so it was very doable, it took us around 30 min to get there. Some parts were a little steep but definitely not too hard if you're moderately fit. Probably one of the best (free) caves we've seen in our life, don't miss this!
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4.5/5
Nearly did not see this place - very glad we did!
The caves huge entrance allows sunlight to the very back wall, this means the stalagmites grow unlike most others, towards the light. Well worth the climb!
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4.0/5
A challenging walk up a very steep narrow path which is quite slippery in some parts.
The climb is worth the effort though for the great scenery on the way up and the huge cave at the top!
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4.5/5
The climb is quite hard but the cave is so worth it!
The entrance to the caves is quite wet and slippery! Be careful. It is nothing if not adventurous getting up there. Someone gave us a top to go early, the sun really embraces the stalactites!
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4.0/5
The caves are unique to New Zealand, they are very old and open, so that the stalactites can grow towards the sun.
The view is absolutely breathtaking, you feel so small when you stand under all these stones and rocks. Just the way up to these caves, it is very hard and steep most of the time. I needed a few breaks during the walk and it took me about 45 minutes to get there. Anyway, you get a fantastic experience!
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4.5/5
Magnificent cabe with stalactites from the underworld!
Difficult scramble up to the cave entrance and could prove treacherous in heavy rain, BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!! Epic spikes!!!
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5.0/5
Nice 40 minute walk along a river and through native bush up to a spectacular cave.
Good shoes recommended, especially if carrying a baby as sometimes quite steep and muddy.
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4.5/5
It is very difficult.
The way is just up and it is slippery but when you are there you get your surprise. The best cave I have ever seen in my life.
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4.0/5
Very exhausting walk.
1 hour return and 30 minutes photo stop at the cave. The walk was slipper. There was a lot of rain in the days before.
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5.0/5
Very special cave if you are up for a steep walk.
The walk took us 1 hour but I guess we walked fast. Definitely a must do if you are in the area.
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4.0/5
Hard walk!
Do not underestimate and definitely wear good footwear. If you make it all the way the cave is fascinating and absolutely breathtaking. We were there all alone, which is quite a surprise but made it better. Definitely worth if you have the time.
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5.0/5
Steadily upgrading the small path with some big steps, where you have to climb a bit.
At the top is a huge cave with stalagtites waiting for you to discover. Open cave, no climbing necessary.
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3.5/5
Not a real fan of caves but this one is something!
Millions of stalagtites hanging from the 'roof' of this huge cave!
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5.0/5
Best thing to do in the park.
Awesome view in the cave, nature is great. But a really hard walk up 2 kilometers.
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4.5/5
Tough walk up!
But a really beautiful cave. It is good for a short visit. It was really interesting to have some information on signs about the cave there.
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5.0/5
Steep walk but definitely worth doing, very slippery when wet, amazing stalagmites and stalagtites, great photocast.
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5.0/5
Absolutely worth it.
Best cave I have ever seen. Not many people there. A little bit difficult to find.
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5.0/5
I have never seen a cave like that.
No lights necessary, tripod and sturdy shoes useful. Expect 1000 stalactites in weird shapes. 40 minutes walk from carpark.
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3.5/5
Two hour round trip.
A bit strenuous but good exercise walking up to Rawhiti cave. Impressive view of Rawhiti cave, recommend to bring a walking stick as the path can be a bit steep and muddy after rain.
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4.5/5
A little adventure walked along a dry river bed then up a track to find this huge cave.
Have seen many caves in my time and this was great.
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4.5/5
Found in Lonely Planet.
Not signposted to so hardly anyone there. Gorgeous setting on someones farm with a steep climb up to an amazing, very unique cave.
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4.5/5
A good hour hike to a large cave system.
Also visited Wainui Falls and Waikoropupu springs in same area (Free!)
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