West Coast Caves – South Island

The West Coast Caves of the South Island

The wildest side of New Zealand, where towering mountains, blue glaciers and surreal coastal formations are on display – this is the West Coast. Here you can find other major caves which are also very unique. Marvel at glowworm displays, stalactites and stalagmites and spectacular sculptured rocks. West Coast caving and canyoning attractions cater for all abilities.

Oparara Basin Caves and Archs: About 26km northeast of Karamea is the stunning Oparara Basin, featuring breathtaking limestone formations including New Zealand’s largest limestone arches and land bridges along with a 15km system of caves named Honeycomb Hill Cave, with 70 entrances enveloped by dense rainforest. World famous for their collection of Moa bones and other extinct bird species. This cave system contains notable limestone formations and is protected, access is by guided tour only.

Charleston Caves: To the west of the Paparoa Range, a band of limestone that stretches from Charleston to Punakaiki, containing caves such as The Metro near Charleston, with eight kilometres of mainly large passages, and Xanadu Cave near Punakaiki, which is five kilometres long. To the east of the Paparoas is a smaller area of limestone, with Profanity Cave at Inangahua of nearly three kilometres length.

Greymouth Caves: Around Greymouth there are pockets of limestone with small caves, and one cave is recorded from Jackson Bay.

Follow the links below to our selection of the best show and adventure caves on the South Islands West Coast…

Karamea

Honeycomb Hill Cave
Karamea is at the end of the road, at the Northern End of New Zealand’s West Coast. The 13 kilometre Honeycomb Hill Cave, with 70 entrances, plus New Zealand’s largest limestone arches is what makes this cave unique.
More Info…
Oparara Arch Kayaking
The Oparara Basin is one of the finest features of the Kahurangi National Park. Enjoy this kayaking tour amongst the pristine rainforest and limestone caves and formations of the Oparara Basin.
More Info…
Kohaihai, Caves & Archs
A unique combination of natural landforms, diverse ecosystems and spectacular caves and arches born from a million years of undisturbed isolation characterize this area.
More Info…



Paparoa National Park

Charleston Gloworm Cave
A passive eco-tour through the enormous Nile River Caves in the Paparoa National Park. Experience an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and ‘galaxies’ of Glow-worms.
More Info…
Underworld Rafting
One of New Zealand’s largest unmodified cave systems where you will experience one of the world’s most outstanding displays of glow-worms in an unmodified and well-decorated cave.
More Info…
Adventure Caving
This is a full on expedition style caving in one of New Zealand’s most sporty caves. Explore an amazing labyrinth with abseils, ladder climbs, squeezes and crawls along cascading waterways.
More Info…




Greymouth and Te Anau

Blackwater Rafting
This is an adventure that is fun for everyone and is set in a beautiful place. It will take you into an unusual cave environment surrounded by glow-worms.
More Info…
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Hidden beneath the mountains on Lake Te Anau’s western shores is an underground network of caves lit by thousands of glow-worms.
More Info…