About twenty minutes off State Highway 1, west of the Waipu township, are the Waipu Caves.

These caves have 300m of passageways to explore, with the main cave being 175m in length — pictured below on the far left. You will discover impressive limestone formations and glow-worms inside the caves. One of the longest stalagmites in New Zealand can be found in the main cave. Although there is plenty of headroom, do take care as the surface is wet and slippery.

Make sure when the children are playing on the rocks, close to the Waipu Caves toilets, that they take care. There are deep cracks and holes throughout this area and they could easily slip and hurt themselves.

Impress the kids by telling them about stalactites and stalagmites. Stalagmites: Begin on the floor. Stalactites: Hang from the roof.

Waipu Cave Walkway (1 hour to Ormiston Road or 2 hours return). The track can either be walked one way, two kilometres, or as a return trip and is suitable for most age groups.

Starting at the Waipu Caves scenic reserve, you make your way along the track through farmland dotted with native trees. Due to the open aspect, on a clear day you will treat yourself to great views of McKenzie’s Scenic Reserve, the Whangarei Heads and Harbour and the Hen and Chicken Islands. The track ends at Ormiston Road.

The track is well sign-posted, with orange markers. Please remember to close any gates you open, as this is a working farm.

Fact File

Safety: Keep an eye on children at all times. The caves are just that — caves — and must be treated with respect by everyone.

Location: 16km north-west of Waipu on Waipu Caves Road, North Island.

Directions: Travel north on SH1 towards Whangarei, just south of Oakleigh turn on to Springfield Road and follow it for about 22km. Turn left on to Waipu Caves Road and travel about 8km. The road is unsealed, narrow and windy in places, so do take care when driving. A small parking area is available next to the entrance to the reserve.

Gear to take: You need good footwear and a torch and compass if venturing into the cave. Ensure you bring your own food and water, as there are no shops close by.

Toilets: The Caves do have good Conservation Department toilets, which are available to the public.