Cave Stream Scenic Reserve tracks & cave walk

Short walk

Time:  

Cave walk takes 1 hr

Distance:  

Cave is 594 m long

Getting there

The reserve is on State Highway 73 between the Broken River road bridge and Craigieburn Forest Park entrance.

Public transport

At least two bus companies service Highway 73 from Christchurch and Greymouth. Pick-ups and drop-offs must be pre-arranged.

Description

Cave entrance tracks 

Time: 30 min return for each track

Two short tracks lead from the reserve carpark to the cave entrances. The track to the upstream entrance goes north, through a diverse karst (limestone) landscape of solution holes, rillenkarren (water-grooved rocks) and sculptured rock formations.
The other track leads to the edge of a terrace overlooking the outflow entrance of the cave. It drops down the face of the terrace to the junction of Cave Stream and Broken River.

Please observe the warning signs about entering the cave - it has claimed lives. You must be properly equipped if you plan to walk through the cave.

The limestone formations nearby were the setting for the filming of “Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.

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. There is a three metre waterfall at the inlet end. If care is taken, fit, inexperienced cavers can go through.

Caving parties should have at least two reliable lights per person plus spare batteries, warm polypropylene or wool clothing, and sturdy footwear.

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.

Scour holes, terraces and small waterfalls can be seen while going through the cave.

Plan and prepare

WARNING

Watch the water level in the cave. It varies and can be quite deep in places. Normally the deepest section (at the first corner from the cave outlet end) is just above waist level on an adult. If the stream is abnormally high, with the water dis-coloured or foaming, do not attempt to enter.

Any snow on the nearby mountains will mean the water will be near freezing (i.e. very cold!) Watch your party for signs of hypothermia.

This cave walk is not suitable for small children.

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