Caving

Waitomo is often the first place that comes to mind when you think of caving in New Zealand. There are however, several other awesome caving sites throughout the country. Spelunkers (cavers) claim that New Zealand has some of the most challenging and spectacular caving systems in the world, although there are enough spots suitable for even first-time cavers. Caving experiences range from a dreamy drift through a glow-worm grotto, to a rip-roaring, rope-dangling, action-packed subterranean adventure. The Waitomo Caves in North Island are the best known, where you can either walk or float (this is called black water rafting) through caves, while some of the tougher ones require abseiling, climbing and squeezing. Experienced operators in the area can convert you into a caver in just a day. You can go on a guided underground adventure in Nelson, Fiordland and on the West Coast. Harwood’s Hole, just off the main Motueka-Takaka road in the Nelson region is the deepest sinkhole in the southern hemisphere—you can look into it, but be careful you don’t fall in—measuring about 180 m in depth.