Waipu Caves Walk
Walking track
Time:
1 hr each way
Distance:
2 km
Getting there
The track is located south of Whangarei, off State Highway 1. The walkway runs from a Whangarei District Council administered reserve at the entrance to the Waipu Caves on Waipu Caves Road, through a scenic reserve to Ormiston Road. It can be walked in either direction.
Northern walkway entrance – turn off SH 1 into Springfield Road, approximately 12 km south of Whangarei (just before the petrol station). About 10 km from the turnoff, there are car parks and signs on Ormiston Road and Waipu Caves Road indicating the walkway entrances.
From the southern (Waipu) end, take Shoemaker Road, then Waipu Caves or Ormiston Road, depending on the preferred entrance point.
About the area
Karst formations at Waipu Caves Walk
The Waipu Caves area features a karst / limestone landscape and weathered rocks. The term "karst" refers to a type of topography that is formed over limestone, dolomite or gypsum by solution of the rock and is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves and underground drainage.
The natural heritage values of karst areas are high as Karst surface landforms provide a variety of habitats for plant species that are restricted to or favour growing on calcareous soils. They also provide refuges for species that were once more widely spread throughout the landscape. Caves provide habitats or shelter for a suite of animal species with varying degrees of reliance on or adaptation to dark, cool, moist conditions with low daily variability.
Karst landscapes are of particular significance to Maori, which is enshrined in the tikanga and kawa (sacred customs and ceremonies) of those with the whakapapa to talk about them. Karst areas are important sites for geological, geomorphological, palaeontological and climatological studies.
Bones of bats, birds, amphibians and reptiles are commonly found in caves. Some caves also contain remains of fossil invertebrates, often of previously unknown or locally extinct species.
Description
A tramper passes by a cave entrance
at Waipu Caves Walk
From the Ormiston Road end, the track leads you across farmland up a steep ridge. The undulating farmland is dotted with native trees, and the open aspect affords excellent panoramic views of McKenzie’s Scenic Reserve in the foreground, and the Whangarei Heads and Harbour and Hen Islands in the background. Once you crossed the fourth stile, the walkway enters Waipu Caves Road Scenic Reserve on the old logging road.
The track leaves the Reserve over another stile and drops down through farmland into the Waipu Caves Valley. Towards the bottom of the hill the farm road can get quite muddy as it zigzags down and crosses an unbridged stream at the bottom. A large flat grassy area is ideal for picnics, and brings you to the Caves Road entrance.
The limestone caves are very impressive with ample headroom in the main cavern. You find fine examples of stalagtites (the ones that hang from the roof), stalagmites and glow worms near the entrance.
10,000 Steps Northland
This track equates to approximately 2,666 steps.
Activities
Abseiling
Bird watching
Caving
Climbing
Flora and fauna
Guided activities
Guided walks and caving excursions are available through various tourism operators.
Scottish history and superb surfing characterise the little town of Waipu and its nearby beach, Waipu Cove. You can discover more about Waipu’s history at the Waipu Museum.
An estuary near the mouth of the Waipu River is good for bird-watching, with many waders including the NZ dotterel, oyster catchers and fairy terns.
Other activities include abseiling, climbing, and dolphin and whale-watching.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Whangarei area.
Plan and prepare
The caves are wet and slippery inside. The inner cave area is suitable for experienced cavers only. A torch and suitable footwear are necessary.
Sinkholes are a common feature of karst landscapes. Please stay on the track and closely supervise small children.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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