Rawhiti Cave route
Motupipi
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Info
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Reviews 92%
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Similar 9
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
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
Moderate walk
1 to 2 hours
Contact
Map
26 reviews with the most recent first, showing page 1 of 2.
Geart-Jan Benedictus
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Alice and Emily Dee
Ranking: 9/10
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!
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 95 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Kate and Dom
Ranking: 8/10
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!
Magdalena
Ranking: 9/10
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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Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Louisa Theimann
Ranking: 8/10
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!
Brent Johnson
Ranking: 9/10
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!!!
Danny
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Avoid Camping Fines!
The only camping map where each location is approved by every regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
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Sean
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome!! There was a sheep on the ledge above the cave!!
Kayla
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful! Awe inspiring!
Anika Danits
Ranking: 9/10
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.
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.
Tom Teuber
Ranking: 8/10
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.
Sven and Annie
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Stefanie Giese
Ranking: 8/10
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.
Geart-Jan Benedictus
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Alice and Emily Dee
Ranking: 9/10
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!
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 95 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Kate and Dom
Ranking: 8/10
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!
Magdalena
Ranking: 9/10
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!
Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass
Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Louisa Theimann
Ranking: 8/10
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!
Brent Johnson
Ranking: 9/10
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!!!
Danny
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Avoid Camping Fines!
The only camping map where each location is approved by every regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Sean
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome!! There was a sheep on the ledge above the cave!!
Kayla
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful! Awe inspiring!
Anika Danits
Ranking: 9/10
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.
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.
Tom Teuber
Ranking: 8/10
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.
Sven and Annie
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Stefanie Giese
Ranking: 8/10
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.
