Waipu Caves Scenic Preserve
Waipu Caves Scenic Preserve
Waipu Caves Scenic Preserve
4.5
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Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
144 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
45
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Carla B
Auckland, New Zealand20 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
My husband and I visited on 30 Dec, peak tourist time in the area so made sure we visited early in the morning before the road and caves get too busy. The last few kms of the road are gravel and can get quite narrow in parts, something to consider if you are in a camper van.
There is a reasonable amount of parking which is a very short walk to the entrance of the caves. You don’t have to venture in too far to see a huge cave full of glow worms, as the walls come down to meet you, you can be at eye level and inches away from them. We didn’t go very far and the roof came right down and it would be a low shuffle to get in. But what we saw, we thought was really special.
Our tips are, travel early in the AM to avoid crowds, bring a good torch per person, wear old shoes and just wade through the water, it’s much easier than the soft sloppy muddy sides of the caves. A great free activity for all ages.
There is a reasonable amount of parking which is a very short walk to the entrance of the caves. You don’t have to venture in too far to see a huge cave full of glow worms, as the walls come down to meet you, you can be at eye level and inches away from them. We didn’t go very far and the roof came right down and it would be a low shuffle to get in. But what we saw, we thought was really special.
Our tips are, travel early in the AM to avoid crowds, bring a good torch per person, wear old shoes and just wade through the water, it’s much easier than the soft sloppy muddy sides of the caves. A great free activity for all ages.
Written 5 January 2020
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 Zealand6 contributions
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.
Tim May
2 contributions
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.
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.
Amy G
Wollongong, Australia14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
So pretty! Lots of foot traffic so we felt very safe but that could be a negative, depending on how you view it. Definitely need a torch, phone torch won’t do much… would recommend aqua shoes as there’s thigh deep water and some parts you can’t see what’s at the bottom plus it’s very slippery and muddy upon the entrance. Overall a really enjoyable experience :)
Written 14 January 2024
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.
Peekaboo
454 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stayed here one night, there was limited amount of spaces for self contained vehicles but we were there early for a spot. The area was really nice with the caves very close to the car park and the reserve. We walked in the caves barefoot ( would advise shoes ) and got to the see the glow worms which was incredible and free. Nice little area so would definitely recommend. Would return here with old runners and a headlamp.
Written 25 April 2020
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.
ERDFirefighter
Edmonton, Canada848 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wow so many glow worms. It was like a starry night in the cave. Entrance into the cave is not difficult at all. A short walk in and there are so many glow worms. The cave entrance is about 300m from the car park. Waipu cave is about 13km off the hight and the last 5ks is gravel. A cannot image any other cave would have more flow worms then this cave and this cave is free. Go
Written 5 February 2020
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
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.
jacqui b
Auckland, New Zealand94 contributions
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.
madamiamadam
Canada36 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Whether you come from the north or the south, there’s a bit of a rough, unsealed drive into the place. Be prepared for a bit of wet, muddy walking when you get into the cave, maybe bring water shoes or some other kind of footwear suitable for the conditions. And be prepared for a lot of people milling about near the entrance to the cave, it’s the easiest part to get to, and therefore attracts the most people but that’s not really where you need to go if you want to see the glow worms. To see the glowworms at their best.you need to go further into the cave and wade through a river and climb over a log or some rocks to get further back where you can see a lot of glow worms in the ceiling of the cave. You’ll probably have to ask people to turn off their headlamps because a lot of people, leave them on to look at the cave formations and don’t realize how amazing the glow worms are when everyone turns off their headlamps and torches.
Written 20 April 2024
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
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.
Elizabeth D
Evanston, Illinois
Would the water be too deep/ the hike to see glow worms too long for a just four year old who is kind of a wimp?
Written 21 February 2019
The water level was ankle deep when we went. There hadn't been rain for a while so if was good for us. Give your child a torch to carry and tell them they might get wet feet and you will have a great adventure! The glow worms are only a short way in to the cave. Have fun!
Written 21 February 2019
Well, we saw several people camping in the parking lot so depending on where you are planing to stay it could be ok.
However saying this, the gravel road is pretty difficult to navigate in places, narrow etc so I would be want to drive it at night myself.
It’s dark in the cave (obviously!) and you need a decent headlamp anyways...
You can see glow worms (a few here and there) right close to the cave entrance.
Written 8 July 2018
hey, how far walk into the caves can you do?
Written 3 April 2017
The main caves extend to some 300 metres.
Written 11 April 2017
How far do you need to drive down the unsealed road to get to the caves?
Written 6 January 2017
According to the sign on the highway it is 6 kms, from either Maungaturoto or the highway.
Written 30 January 2017
No need to book at all. There is no charge, and no restrictions on entry.
Written 22 December 2016
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