Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Cave Walk - Craigieburn
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Info
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Reviews 97%
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Similar 9
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
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.
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Details
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Contact
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.
45 reviews with the most recent first, showing page 1 of 4.
Bob the genious
Ranking: 10/10
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 ;)
Car R
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 74 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Emma Philpott
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Wilhelm Wiechel
Ranking: 9/10
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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Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Kolar
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing.
Frank Ryan
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Stuart Gange
Ranking: 9/10
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!
Cecile
Ranking: 9/10
Just one word: AMAZING. Completely in the dark, in cold water, a good experience and free.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Huon
Ranking: 10/10
It is really amazing and it is free! 40 minute walk in the dark and beautiful rocks inside with the stream!
Floriane Desnoyer
Ranking: 10/10
So exciting experience. A bit scary but keep going! Worth it! Do not forget a torch and check the water level before going in.
Congratulations Cave Stream Scenic Reserve - Cave Walk - Craigieburn
Jari Kahelin
Ranking: 10/10
Really nice cave walk and nice views.
Elodie Bardolle
Ranking: 8/10
It is funny!
Jan Penicka
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Bob the genious
Ranking: 10/10
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 ;)
Car R
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 74 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Emma Philpott
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Wilhelm Wiechel
Ranking: 9/10
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.
Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass
Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Kolar
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing.
Frank Ryan
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Stuart Gange
Ranking: 9/10
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!
Cecile
Ranking: 9/10
Just one word: AMAZING. Completely in the dark, in cold water, a good experience and free.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Huon
Ranking: 10/10
It is really amazing and it is free! 40 minute walk in the dark and beautiful rocks inside with the stream!
Floriane Desnoyer
Ranking: 10/10
So exciting experience. A bit scary but keep going! Worth it! Do not forget a torch and check the water level before going in.
Congratulations Cave Stream Scenic Reserve - Cave Walk - Craigieburn
Jari Kahelin
Ranking: 10/10
Really nice cave walk and nice views.
Elodie Bardolle
Ranking: 8/10
It is funny!
Jan Penicka
Ranking: 10/10
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!
