Prepare for your visit to Fenian Caves

The Fenian Caves track passes through an 80 m section of cave, which includes scrambling around steep/slippery sections and walking in a small stream in the dark. You need:

• Good fitness and agility.
• A headtorch. Do not rely on your phone torch or a handheld torch, as you need your hands free for climbing.
• Sturdy footwear with closed toes, such as tramping boots. The track is very muddy and slippery, you need good grip.

We recommend you wear a helmet, as the ceiling is low in places.

Streams run through the Fenian Caves. These can flood after heavy rain, making the caves dangerous. Do not enter the caves during heavy rain or if the streams are flooding.

The stream in Cavern Stream Cave is larger than the others, so this cave can only be easily visited when the water levels are very low. It is also more prone to flash flooding.

It is best to visit the caves with others, rather than visiting alone. Always share your plans with a trusted person before you go. There is no cell phone reception in the caves or on the track.

Fenian Caves Track

The Fenian Caves are found on a side-track off the main Fenian Track.

From the carpark, follow Fenian Track. Be aware that just under 4 km from the road end, the track passes across the face of a steep bluff (Maloney’s Bluff). There are no barriers and there is a cliff beside the edge of the track. Take great care on this section and keep children close to you.

A gentle 40 min walk along Fenian Track brings you to the start of the Fenian Caves Loop Track. It takes approximately 1 hour to complete the loop track.

At this point the track changes from a walking track to a tramping track. This tramping track forms a loop.

The track is rough, slippery and can be very muddy, with lots of tree roots. Keep a close watch on the orange markers and follow them to stay on the track.

There are three open-access caves. Miners Cave and Cavern Creek Cave are beside the track. Cavern Creek Cave is a large cave system, but exploring this is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped cavers. Be aware that the cave system has water at all times and can flood easily, so should only be visited when no rain is forecast.

Tunnel Cave is an 80 m tunnel that the track passes through. The track then loops back to meet the walking track.

We recommend planning extra time for your walk, so you have time to explore the caves and in case the walk takes longer than expected due to the nature of the track surface.

Fenian Workings Track

There is the option to also explore the historic Fenian mine workings. This is not included in the track times and distances listed above.

45 min from the car park along the Fenian Track, a signpost indicates the way to the Fenian Workings. It takes approximately 30 min to get to the workings from here, and you will have to return via the same track.

At this point the track standard changes from a walking track to a tramping track and you will require sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness and experience.

Stop at last track marker/triangle and look carefully to see evidence of the workings, including the impressive hand stacking of rock in the creek bed.

This track is not marked on the topographic map. It is shown on the PDF map in the Walks in the Karamea Area brochure and linked on this page.

Leave Karamea on Oparara Road and follow this for 6 km to the lime works. Turn into Fenian Road and follow this to the car park at the end.

Expect a rough, muddy track

Part of Fenian Caves Track is a tramping track. It is rough and muddy, best suited to fit people who have experience in walking on tramping tracks.

Plan and prepare for your cave trip

Read the description above. Make sure you bring all the recommended equipment, have the necessary fitness, and share your plans with a trusted contact.

Care for the caves

Underground cave formations can take thousands of years to grow just one centimetre. They are fragile creations - even the oil on your hands can damage formations. Please avoid touching or damaging formations. Do not drop any rubbish in the caves.

No dogs are allowed on Fenian Cave Track. There are kiwi and whio in the area.

Be aware of rockfall and steep drops

Rock fall hazards exist on the lower Fenian Track, from the Fenian car park for 200 m along the track. There is also a risk of falling rocks in other parts of the gorge.

There are steep drops beside the track in some sections. The largest is Maloney’s Bluff, where there is a cliff beside the track and no barrier.

Follow instructions on signs, take care and supervise children closely.