Waipu Caves

Useful Information

Location:	16 km northwest of Waipu. From Auckland north on SH1 towards Whangarei, south of Oakleigh turn onto Springfield Road for 22 km. Turn left onto Waipu Caves Road for 8 km. Waipu Caves Reserve left signposted. (-35.9342808, 174.3491243)
Open:	no restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave Glowworm Karren Doline Stone Forests
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	Main Cave: L=175 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Department of Conservation, Whangarei Office, 2 South End Ave, Raumanga, Whangarei 0110, Tel: +64-9-470-3300. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1896	cave named Morrisons Cave

Description

At Waipu Caves there are actually several small caves, so the plural is correct. All caves together have a total length of about 300 m, the biggest cave has about 175 m. The highlight is the third chamber of the largest cave, called Waipu Public Cave or the "Public Cave at Waipu Caves Scenic Preserve", which contains glowworms. Actually, glowworms are pretty common in New Zealand, they are found in almost every cave. But it is difficult to see them and easy to disturb them, so they do not glow any more. So be careful and as silent as possible when you enter the cave.

Waipu Caves is not a real name, the glowworm cave was actually named Morrisons Cave in 1896, when it was discovered. But there is Waipu Caves Road and about 20 caves along the road, most of them on private land, are all known as Waipu Caves. So this is more like a generic name for all caves of the area. Another name which is frequently used is Mangapai Caves, but actually there is no cave of this name either. When the first settlers came to this area, they called this area Mangapai, and they called the caves Mangapai Caves, meaning "caves of the Mangapai area". There is a village named Mangapai about 12 km north of the caves. From here the Mangapai Caves Road goes south, and at its end the Waipu Caves Road turns off. However, there are definitely no Mangapai Caves.

Waipu Public Cave is not developed but open to the public and much frequented. It is located in a small preserve which is owned by the Whangārei District Council. As there is mud and narrow crawls, caving gear is essential, at least old clothes and clothes to change afterwards. The caves are not advertised, but they are officially open to the public, and there are educational signs explaining the karst and the caves. Nevertheless, we are not happy with this info, actually we would like to have a survey of the cave and some hints on what to expect. The tourist visitors are neither educated nor equipped for the hazards of a wild cave. This one offers to wade through waist deep water, so it is definitely caving. If you actually want to enter the caves, we recommend gum boots, caving overall, helmet, headlamp, and reserve lamps (at least two). Never cave alone and leave a return time with a trustee.

If you want to avoid the dangers of caving, we nevertheless recommend the site for a visit. At the caves, a hiking trail starts, which is managed by the Department of Conservation. The area around the caves is a typical karst area with many fine sights, like karren, strangely eroded rocks, and numerous dolines. The trail is 2 km long and shows the most interesting sights of this karst, like karren and sinkholes. There are even educational signs explaining the karst features. It is an easy 1.5-hour walk through picturesque landscape across farmland and regenerating bush.