Abbey Caves
Abbey Caves
4.5
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4.5
164 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
36
Average
11
Poor
7
Terrible
2
angelaannie
Auckland, New Zealand41 contributions
May 2022 • Family
My daughter and I had a ball, father wasn’t keen! We had come prepared with head torches and water shoes, so we didn’t mind getting wet. These caves are not for the “ tourists “ who want to drive to the door and see some awesome caves. You have to be prepared to walk to them, scramble around rocks, get a bit wet and dirty. I wouldn’t recommend going into the caves for young children as the rocks are large and they wouldn’t have the reach to grip the boulders. But the surrounding rock formations outside of the caves are amazing!! So much fun had here playing hide and seek, climbing ect. Very unique rocks.
We went right through the middle cave(organ cave) popped out 159m later, steep entry and exit was tricky. Hadn’t had a lot of rain, so water was only ankle deep. Other caves looked a bit more challenging.
We went right through the middle cave(organ cave) popped out 159m later, steep entry and exit was tricky. Hadn’t had a lot of rain, so water was only ankle deep. Other caves looked a bit more challenging.
Written 15 May 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.
Anaïs B
7 contributions
Jan 2021
The track to the caves is really easy. We only have done one cave as it was physical enough to go till the end. Please don't forget to bring head torch and good shoes as it might be slippery inside.
It's a really cool thing to do, think about turning your head torch off from time to time to enjoy the glow worms.
We were alone in the caves and it made this moment even more magic with only the sound of the water dropping on the rocks
It's a really cool thing to do, think about turning your head torch off from time to time to enjoy the glow worms.
We were alone in the caves and it made this moment even more magic with only the sound of the water dropping on the rocks
Written 26 January 2021
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.
Michael B
Melbourne, Australia643 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
You have to be well prepared for these. Footwear that can get wet, strong head torch, helmet and strong knees. The entrances to the caves are steep and slippery. Almost dangerous. However, even if you don’t go down the caves, the terrain is amazing for the one hour walk. Rock formations like another planet.
Written 20 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.
dasco474
Dwight, IL249 contributions
Dec 2019
We went prepared - I was hoping to find a cave like this o our New Zealand trip. We have several bright headlamps and proper footgear for scaling wet rocks and slogging through watery caves. My daughter and I love when you can find places like this - not over run with tourists or homogenized for the masses. These caves can be tough to climb down into and yes, you have to plan and bring lights and yes, plan and bring correct footgear, but that is part of the experience. I passed up the well advertised "Glow Worm Caves" so I didn't have to commune with the masses and found the little beauties right here for free. The walk through the property is amazing and climbing into the cattle pastures is a different experience. There are amazing rock formations here - very well worth the hike! I loved my morning here at Abbey Caves!
Written 30 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.
Stephen T
8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
NOTICE: Earlier this past year, the caves were shut down after a 9 year old child passed in the caves. While the path is open (partially), all cave entrances are blocked. You will not be able to get in or even see the cave entrances. However, if you're passing by here, the pathway around the caves that are still open are gorgeous (albeit short in what is accessible). A mixture of forest and rolling green pastures with beautiful limestone outcrops, the place was magical in the evening. I felt like little hobbitons would pop out around the corner to greet us.
One more thing, Google maps does not have the right location. Look for a fairly large parking lot on Abbey Caves Road and follow signs around the area. The entrance to the trail is across the street, uphill, and somewhat hidden.
One more thing, Google maps does not have the right location. Look for a fairly large parking lot on Abbey Caves Road and follow signs around the area. The entrance to the trail is across the street, uphill, and somewhat hidden.
Written 23 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.
Jonathan Nevill
Hobart, Australia15 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
There are three small limestone caves, all carved by the same stream, as it surfaces and then disappears. The first cave is over 300m long. You follow it, walking upstream, then turn around and walk back. You will get wet and dirty, and you need a torch for each person in your party, plus one spare. The second cave (you will be walking with the flow of the water) is short, only about 100m, with an exit... however the exit is difficult, and I recommend walking back the way you came. The last, the third, cave is about 200m and has an easy exit, which you should take. You will need to pass through a pool a little over 1m in depth, so take off your clothes (there will be no-one else around) BEFORE you get too deep. On exit, IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE LEFT HAND TRACK, even though the right hand track looks like the best option. DO NOT TAKE THE RIGHT HAND TRACK. This track will lead you to private land, the "middle earth" backpacker hostel, where the owner will get angry and shout at you. He is a nasty person. The protocol for entry into a wild cave is minimal impact. Do not piss or leave litter. Do not disturb the glow worms. Do not take souvenirs... leave it as you found it. Cheers, Jonathan Nevill (Australia).
Written 7 February 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.
vivt751
Christchurch, New Zealand63 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Just outside Whangarei, the three caves make an excellent alternative to Waipu Caves but are sufficiently different to justify visiting both systems. Like Waipu, they are free and entry is not regulated.
A leisurely loop track round the reserve, without entering any caves, takes about 40 minutes and includes some nice puriri dominant bush with moss covered limestone rocks. A deviation is worthwhile to take in the best of these plus a child’s grave from the 1880s.
All three caves – Organ, Middle and Ivy – are more difficult to enter than Waipu and require some scrambling over often slippery rocks, However, they should all be within reach of any reasonably athletic person
All require lots of walking in water, which can be almost up to waist deep for short stretches. I am told that to get right trough Ivy caves involves chest deep water but can’t confirm this.
The caves are different from Waipu, being long and narrow with surprisingly colourful formations appearing to ooze out of the walls, rather than hanging down from the roof. The walls, in Organ Cave in particular, feature amazing stripped patterns. All have glow worms, although not to the extent of Waipu and you need to keep lights on low power or turn them off to see them well.
Organ Cave is the longest (over 200M?) and, for me, easily the most spectacular. I also find it the most difficult to get into. The scenery changes constantly and, for me, the best parts are in the furthest half. There is no way out at the end.
Middle Cave is much shorter but easier to get into and has shallower water. Small, agile people can exit the far end.
Ivy Cave has a small tightish area just inside the entrance with some interesting formations, but that is as far as I have gone. I believe it is possible to exit the far end if you are prepared to get very wet.
General advice:
• Have a good light – better still two - and spare batteries as Organ Cave in particular is not the sort of place you want to be lightless, and visitors can be scarce at times.
• Vehicle security has a bad reputation and although I have seen voluntary wardens at the parking area, none were there two days after Christmas.
• Watch the electric fences and take care using the basic gateways through them.
A leisurely loop track round the reserve, without entering any caves, takes about 40 minutes and includes some nice puriri dominant bush with moss covered limestone rocks. A deviation is worthwhile to take in the best of these plus a child’s grave from the 1880s.
All three caves – Organ, Middle and Ivy – are more difficult to enter than Waipu and require some scrambling over often slippery rocks, However, they should all be within reach of any reasonably athletic person
All require lots of walking in water, which can be almost up to waist deep for short stretches. I am told that to get right trough Ivy caves involves chest deep water but can’t confirm this.
The caves are different from Waipu, being long and narrow with surprisingly colourful formations appearing to ooze out of the walls, rather than hanging down from the roof. The walls, in Organ Cave in particular, feature amazing stripped patterns. All have glow worms, although not to the extent of Waipu and you need to keep lights on low power or turn them off to see them well.
Organ Cave is the longest (over 200M?) and, for me, easily the most spectacular. I also find it the most difficult to get into. The scenery changes constantly and, for me, the best parts are in the furthest half. There is no way out at the end.
Middle Cave is much shorter but easier to get into and has shallower water. Small, agile people can exit the far end.
Ivy Cave has a small tightish area just inside the entrance with some interesting formations, but that is as far as I have gone. I believe it is possible to exit the far end if you are prepared to get very wet.
General advice:
• Have a good light – better still two - and spare batteries as Organ Cave in particular is not the sort of place you want to be lightless, and visitors can be scarce at times.
• Vehicle security has a bad reputation and although I have seen voluntary wardens at the parking area, none were there two days after Christmas.
• Watch the electric fences and take care using the basic gateways through them.
Written 28 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.
thereandbackagainNZ
UK179 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
I am a caver of many years experience and if I had gone to these caves with a team of cavers and all the equipment I am sure they would have been great. BUT do NOT go there in any other way. They are NOT safely accessible to the general public despite signs suggesting the opposite. No paths, no lights, no guides.
They are NOT big - the name 'Abbey' does not describe them but an old house nearby (now gone).
They are accessed over steep, slippery boulders and steep descents with a river pouring past below in total darkness. Rescue if you break your leg will not be pleasant or speedy!
The walk past them and some limestone outcrops is quite interesting. BE WARNED!
They are NOT big - the name 'Abbey' does not describe them but an old house nearby (now gone).
They are accessed over steep, slippery boulders and steep descents with a river pouring past below in total darkness. Rescue if you break your leg will not be pleasant or speedy!
The walk past them and some limestone outcrops is quite interesting. BE WARNED!
Written 21 December 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.
Luke S
14 contributions
Well what can you say about caves? They are suitable cave like, dark and rocky. They have some glow worms in them. Not loads. Some. Nice little walk about with some interesting rocks. And wet bits in caves. As caves go these are very cave like.
Written 20 November 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.
Anna W
Paengaroa, New Zealand9 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
This was so amazing. We only went into the first cave 'Organ Cave' as that's all we had time for. We walked about 100m in with no end in sight. We had to walk through flowing cold water which at some parts was up to about knee deep. There were flow worms all long the way that was breathtaking. There are a lot of slippery rocks that you need to scramble over so I'd recommend taking a bright head torch and water shoes and suitable clothing. I'd definitely check our the other caves when I am back next.
Written 5 April 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.
Would it be best to go see glow worms at Abbey Cave rather than Waitomo? Is the experience the same?
Written 23 October 2017
Abbey caves does not offer guided tour, nor has had any health and safety checks. It is an enter at your own risk caves. But if you want to exploring without a tour guide then yes, you would still see glow worms there. Just be prepared and have the right gear! There’s also an alternative that might be an easier cave if you’re only after glow worms; which is the Waipu cave. Plenty of glow worms in there, it’s free and more accessible.
Written 6 February 2018
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