MANGAONE CAVES TRACK

Easy | 20 min one way

LOCATION

Mangaone Caves Scenic Reserve is 40kms from Wairoa, 10kms up the narrow, winding and unsealed Mangaone Valley Road. Turn off SH2, approximately 4kms north of Nūhaka or 5kms south of Mōrere Springs. The track is sign-posted on the roadside and you can park your vehicle on a grassed area.

ABOUT THE WALKWAY

First-time cavers can explore Mangaone Caves - enjoy karst type features, stalactites, stalagmites and calcite wall coverings. The track to the limestone caves follows a poled route over private farmland - leave gates as you find them. Once past the initial steep section, there are magnificent views of the coast - on clear days you can see as far as Māhia.

At the caves, steps lead into the main cavern. The main cave is around 40 metres long and 9 metres high. Two passages, approximately 3 metres above the floor of the main cavern, can be accessed by ladders.

Access to the passages are tight - take care. The main cavern can be muddy during winter.

TIP

A torch or headlamp is essential for exploring the caves. A hard hat or cycle helmet would be handy too. Make sure to wear proper tramping shoes as the first part of the track is quite steep.

Enjoy the beautiful views over flat and hilly farmland and take a moment to enjoy the tranquility.