Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Cave Stream Scenic Reserve and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
55 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Hailz_777
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
One of the best experiences during our recent trip to NZ. Reviews i read prior made it sound like a spot worth checking out but the experience was amazing and far beyond either of our expectations; my husband and i had a ball. Freezing water and don't attempt without a headlight, good footwear and reasonable fitness. One not to be missed
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TbAU00
Brisbane, Australia352 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
So this review is from a claustrophobic scaredy cat and I'm still giving it an Excellent rating.
The water is cold, even in January, however your body quickly gets used to it. While they say the water at the start is waist deep, this might be the case for a 7' tall person, but for a shorty 5'6" guy like myself it came up to my chest, but after that first part it is mostly knee deep. Some of the water was quite strong flowing and all the strength I had was needed to hoist myself up some parts.
Momentarily, turn your torch off and you won't be able to see your hand in front of your face. A torch is mandatory obviously. As it was January I wore a shirt and board shorts. Some guys in the cave were shirtless. I'd imagine in any other season it would be too cold to wear so little clothing.
Being a little claustrophobic, I tended to just power through and not want to look anywhere but my feet, but my partner being the adventurous one continually said "how awesome is this?", and I was more like "Yeah, yeah just keep moving". I felt relieved when we caught up with a group of others in front of us doing it at the same time.
As has been said in other reviews, the last part is the biggest struggle. Cold, fast rushing waterfall that you have to pull yourself up with metal steps which feels so high when your climbing, and then a metal chain that you hang onto and slide along your belly until at last...you're finished.
So through all my dramatic thoughts of possible flash floods, earthquakes, torch failure which never eventuated, I was glad I accomplished it. When my partner asked if I wanted to turn around and do it all again, I firmly declined the offer.
This is a must do
The water is cold, even in January, however your body quickly gets used to it. While they say the water at the start is waist deep, this might be the case for a 7' tall person, but for a shorty 5'6" guy like myself it came up to my chest, but after that first part it is mostly knee deep. Some of the water was quite strong flowing and all the strength I had was needed to hoist myself up some parts.
Momentarily, turn your torch off and you won't be able to see your hand in front of your face. A torch is mandatory obviously. As it was January I wore a shirt and board shorts. Some guys in the cave were shirtless. I'd imagine in any other season it would be too cold to wear so little clothing.
Being a little claustrophobic, I tended to just power through and not want to look anywhere but my feet, but my partner being the adventurous one continually said "how awesome is this?", and I was more like "Yeah, yeah just keep moving". I felt relieved when we caught up with a group of others in front of us doing it at the same time.
As has been said in other reviews, the last part is the biggest struggle. Cold, fast rushing waterfall that you have to pull yourself up with metal steps which feels so high when your climbing, and then a metal chain that you hang onto and slide along your belly until at last...you're finished.
So through all my dramatic thoughts of possible flash floods, earthquakes, torch failure which never eventuated, I was glad I accomplished it. When my partner asked if I wanted to turn around and do it all again, I firmly declined the offer.
This is a must do
Written 11 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KScheepers
Christchurch, New Zealand510 contributions
This cave stream walk is absolutely amazing and so much fun !!! It's one of those best kept secrets of the South Island and only an hour's drive from Christchurch. I take all my visitors here and everyone has asked to do that again !!! It's a must do activity and doesn't cost a cent. Just make sure you have a headlamp and trainers you don't mind getting wet !
Written 27 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlwiHafiz
Singapore, Singapore55 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Being from the tropics, the weather at Cave Stream was still very cold to us even though it was near summer, especially since we were lightly clad to prevent clothing drag navigating the stream in the cave. Half the group dropped out at the cave entrance once they dipped their feet into the icy cold rushing water. But for the rest of us who persevered, we were rewarded with an exhilarating experience, navigating the rushing stream - at places up to chest-high - in complete darkness save for our small torches. Challenging climbs at a couple of spots, especially for the kids. This actually added to the fun for us as we had to organise ourselves such that the stronger ones were in front to help pull the others and at the rear to help push and ensure that the last person is able to climb. The last bit was a ladder climb followed by a crawl along a ledge with a 3-4m fall, but there is a chain to hang on to. Highly recommended family activity if you are in the vicinity and best of all, its free!
Written 20 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NitroFastHarry
260 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
It was a clear and warm summer's day when it was suggested to attempt the cave stream. Not knowing much about the cave and after a quick search online I had a fair idea that this cave would be new, tough, and not for everyone - which lead to many doubts.
In hindsight, being poorly prepared, under dressed, and under supplied this cave has so much risk associated with it.
All the advice given by others previously should taken seriously (and then assess your ability to handle further problems): you will get wet, the water is cold and can be deep, there is a waterfall that needs to be ascended, the cave is dark and you cannot find your way without light (backup torch just in case is sensible), some upper body strength is required, sensible footwear required etc.
As I did the cave in summer, during a period of no rain, where the water depth and flow was manageable, and water temperature was fine, this cave was a great experience especially considering how poorly planned we were.
Knowing before hand that people have died in the cave, I think I would stayed outside.
It is a 5 minute walk down to the cave entry; water depth, flow rate, and temperature at the entry is key to the rest of the cave, and then just under an hour in the cave.
There is a carpark just off the state highway which has toilets and picnic facilities. There are other walks around the area in lieu of going into the cave.
There are no glow worms to be seen either; just not the right environment.
In hindsight, being poorly prepared, under dressed, and under supplied this cave has so much risk associated with it.
All the advice given by others previously should taken seriously (and then assess your ability to handle further problems): you will get wet, the water is cold and can be deep, there is a waterfall that needs to be ascended, the cave is dark and you cannot find your way without light (backup torch just in case is sensible), some upper body strength is required, sensible footwear required etc.
As I did the cave in summer, during a period of no rain, where the water depth and flow was manageable, and water temperature was fine, this cave was a great experience especially considering how poorly planned we were.
Knowing before hand that people have died in the cave, I think I would stayed outside.
It is a 5 minute walk down to the cave entry; water depth, flow rate, and temperature at the entry is key to the rest of the cave, and then just under an hour in the cave.
There is a carpark just off the state highway which has toilets and picnic facilities. There are other walks around the area in lieu of going into the cave.
There are no glow worms to be seen either; just not the right environment.
Written 11 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elliot D
9 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Attempted this after a couple of days of snowfall/melt in the afternoon (worst time of day for snow melt). The water on entrance was slightly over waist height for me at 6' and we foind it difficult going. We got stuck at a waterfall we think about half way through (we tried a few approaches) however we gave up and went back out and discovered the water was well up to my chest height back at the entrance!
In spring time would advise checking with the DoC, bring warm clothes (walking back is harder and takes longer) and a headtorch is a must!
That said the cave inside is really cool and we both thought it was still an excellent experience!
In spring time would advise checking with the DoC, bring warm clothes (walking back is harder and takes longer) and a headtorch is a must!
That said the cave inside is really cool and we both thought it was still an excellent experience!
Written 23 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew M
27 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
2 of us went through upstream and loved it. Once you get used to the cold water it is awesome. Some tight spots where the water is powerful. Head torches are a must and good footwear. One of my favourite attractions, will go caving there again!!
Written 2 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S Diker
68 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
My travel mates and I (2 guys, 2 girls) all mid-20s did this walk on our way from Arthur's Pass towards Christchurch. Easy to navigate to and travel from. As previously stated, a very good set of head torches are a must. A good set of shoes does help but half the group did it with regular sports shoes, thermals do help as the walk can be anything from a breezy 15-20 minute walk through the caves to 45 minutes to an hour depending on your group. Again with a good set of head torches on everyone, it's a breeze.
One thing we noticed was that quite a few people were trying to start the walk from the wrong end of the track as it clearly states that you should go up "TOWARDS" current and not down as I can see that it would be quite dangerous and you are warned on the signage if you read it. We had someone warn us that it was really dangerous and they had hurt themselves but that was because they went in from the wrong end.
Do take your time if you are unsure of your footing as it is not overly slippery but it is awkward at places, and deep at others. Don't do it alone as i don't think it is a pleasant experience and not to mention dangerous.
One thing we noticed was that quite a few people were trying to start the walk from the wrong end of the track as it clearly states that you should go up "TOWARDS" current and not down as I can see that it would be quite dangerous and you are warned on the signage if you read it. We had someone warn us that it was really dangerous and they had hurt themselves but that was because they went in from the wrong end.
Do take your time if you are unsure of your footing as it is not overly slippery but it is awkward at places, and deep at others. Don't do it alone as i don't think it is a pleasant experience and not to mention dangerous.
Written 28 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt W
Adelaide, Australia25 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
A really cool experience. Walking upstream through a limestone cave with running water coming down it
Takes about 20-30kmins. The deepest part is the first 25-30m which was up to our waists. From then on it's mainly knee deep. Headlamps and adequate hiking shoes are a must.
Use caution and research when safe times are. (eg. Not during rainfall)
Takes about 20-30kmins. The deepest part is the first 25-30m which was up to our waists. From then on it's mainly knee deep. Headlamps and adequate hiking shoes are a must.
Use caution and research when safe times are. (eg. Not during rainfall)
Written 3 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda B
Townsville, Australia109 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
I would not find navigating a dark tunnel filled with cold water fun!! So for all the other whimps out there ... it's still worth looking at the reserve if you stay above the ground. There is a well formed and well-signed walking track which will enable you to see both ends of the cave, the dry creek bed between, and some amazing limestone and glacial features. There are seats and lookouts, explanatory signs, toilets and picnic tables. Enjoy it.
Written 19 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am looking to do this in a couple of weeks time - can people advise if this is safe just to do as two people or should it only be done as a group? Thanks
Written 30 September 2017
I may be too late to answer, but we just did it and the water was very fast flowing. This can happen in Spring as you get the melt run-off from the mountains. I've done it numerous times, but always in Summer. This time was VERY challenging. We've done it a few times as just a couple, but be wary that the flow could be quite fast. We were well prepared with wetsuits and headlamps, but it was much more difficult because of the fast flowing water in places. If you are fit and strong, then go for it. If you are not the "outdoor type" then you may need to miss it at this time of year and just enjoy the beautiful walks at Castle Hill instead.
Written 16 October 2017
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing