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Waipu Cave
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Waipu Cave

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Waipu Cave
4.5
#1 of 10 things to do in Waipu
Nature & Wildlife AreasCaverns & CavesHiking Trails
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4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
44
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
TassidorDunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand19 contributions
Easy accessible dry Waipu Caves
Nov 2023 • Couples
Perfect day for a Cave experience in Waipu. Our excellent tour guide Nina explained everything about the formation of the caves and stages of the Glow Worms. We learnt so much. It was really good.
Written 14 November 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.
Shelley_Scarlett
6 contributions
Lots of fun for the family
Apr 2023
Great way to spend the morning adventuring. Kids loved it. For decent exploration and access to glow worms come prepared to get wet. Mostly ankle deep, but knee deep in some places. Head lamps or torches a must.
Signage a little confusing, we took the first turn off that said Gate 1 Main Entrance, but this was access for paid tours. To do your own exploration for free keep heading up another 1-2km and spot the much smaller brown sign that says 'caves'.

There is also a great walk near the caves that takes you to some pretty epic limestone rocks that the kids loved playing on and around. Don't need to do the whole work either, first 20ish minutes and you'll come across them!
Written 16 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.
Jenny J
Perth, Australia864 contributions
Be prepared to get wet and go deep into the cave
Nov 2022
The signage is confusing but it is just a short walk from the carpark. (Which have public toilets). To see the glow worms properly you need to be in shorts or bathers and be prepared to go right into the water and walk deeper into the cave. It is definitely worth doing as you don't see them very well from the main entry area. It is free and you can take photos here which you can't anywhere else we went where there were glowworms. Unfortunately, though not sure if just my bad photography but the photos don't show the glow worms very well.
Written 3 January 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.
Xanerin
Alice Springs, Australia1,506 contributions
Let’s Go Caving!
Oct 2022 • Couples
Only a short drive in off the Highway and we came to this cave. Road is unsealed so keep your speed down and look out for signposts as they are few and far between. Beautiful setting once you are there and it really is a lovely big cave. You do need a decent torch and our iPhones are really not enough. There are stalagmite’s and stalagtites, columns and an Angel Wing. Pity we didn’t have shorts and appropriate footwear as you can go deep into the cave which would have been awesome. Turn off your torch and look up and you can see beautiful glow worms. This is free and there are flushing toilets and a place you can camp.
Written 27 October 2022
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.
Tim May
2 contributions
Definitely worth a visit.
Oct 2022
Stunning views inside caves. They were much larger than I imagined and spectacular glow worms the deeper you go in.
A powerful torch is essential as much of the ground is very slippery from the mud caused by water dripping through the roof. Be aware of puddles as some are not what they seem, my wife nearly broke her leg when stepping into a puddle. It was over half a meter deep! Wellington boots or waterproof footwear is recommended.
A WORD OF WARNING: The caves are totally unsuitable for any disabled or handicapped persons.
Written 24 October 2022
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.
HMcJ
Wellington, New Zealand3 contributions
Not well sign-posted and takes some adventuring to get to
Oct 2022 • Family
About 20-25 mins off the main road. No signs until you get closer. Flushing toilets at the car park. If it’s raining or been raining expect to get very muddy and it’s very slippery. We climbed inside the cave but with rain the ground is very slimy and it’s not obvious where to go. We climbed inside the cave and found a few glow worms. We could’ve gone further but would’ve had to cross over a deep creek and then no guarantees what we’d have found or if we’d been able to keep our footing. Torches are a must.
Written 3 October 2022
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.
jacqui b
Auckland, New Zealand96 contributions
Still amazing after heavy rain
Aug 2022
had been heavy rain (floods further north) a few days prior so wasnt at its most sparkling but still very impressive and water in cave higher than usual. Recommend bringing a torch even on a good day to explore deeper in cave. Good parking area but gravel roads on way there.
Written 21 August 2022
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.
Heidi
Tauranga, New Zealand2 contributions
Beautiful
Apr 2022
The glow worms and rock formations were really cool. Make sure you bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet or jandles. There is shallow water to walk through it ranges from ankle height to knee height depending on how far in you go. Well worth it.
Written 30 April 2022
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.
luxcam2022
Auckland, New Zealand5 contributions
Very Interesting Caves
Feb 2022
These caves are really nice, but there are a few drawbacks, firstly its quite a long way down a metal road that is a bit rough but OK in a car. Secondly it is no good going in with track shoes and long trousers, you need gumboots or shorts with reef shoes or something similar, and very very importantly a good strong torch EACH. Don't let this put you off, because when you go in you see lots and lots of gloworms, without an admission change, just be careful how deep the water is. If you are prepared you will enjoy the caves
Written 1 March 2022
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.
Paige
Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
The best cave experience I’ve ever had
Jan 2022 • Couples
Incredible. So much to explore. Be sure to wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, and wear shorts too, the water comes up to your thighs in parts of the cave, depending how far in you want to go. The best glow worms we saw, were just before you have to crouch down and wade through the water. We wore head torches which was really helpful, as it can get very slippery in parts so it’s best to have your hands free.
Written 30 January 2022
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.
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WAIPU CAVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Waipu Cave