|
Abbey Caves, Whangarei New Zealand
Abbey Caves is the name of a public reserve near Whangarei, on the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand has many caves, mostly in limestone (see "Caves of New Zealand" in Wikipedia). The reserve is part of the estate of the Whangarei District Council, although there is minimal signage and few signs of management. The reserve lies adjacent to private land, used for primary production as well containing a small backpacker hostel named 'Middle Earth Hostel". The reserve is mentioned in tourist guidebooks, and does receive a steady stream of visitors during summer months. Many visitors are poorly prepared for the wet conditions within the caves. Parking is available beside the access road. The reserve, which is signposted from Riverside Drive in Whangarei, holds three small caves, each carved by the same stream. These are wild caves; persons enter at their own risk. The caving guidelines of the New Zealand Speleological Society should be followed by visitors; in particular there should be absolutely no discharge of waste of any sort within the cave. Care should be taken not to break delicate limestone formations, or disturb the glow-worms. Torches must be carried by every member of a visiting party. Particularly in winter, the caves are cold, wet and muddy. The first cave, with about 300m of accessible tunnel, follows the uphill course of the stream; exit is via the entrance. The second cave, only a little over 100m in length, follows a downhill path. Exit is possible at the end of the cave as the stream reaches the surface, but visitors are advised to retrace their steps and exit via the main entrance, as the exit requires a short climb over wet slippery rocks. The third cave also follows the stream downhill, and is about 200m in length. The deepest pool is about 1.3m, so appropriate attire is important. At the end of the cave where it reaches the surface, exit is safe and easy. However, note that visitors should keep to the left where the exit path branches, as the right path leads to private land (the hostel). Walk back up the hill until the main path is located, taking you back to the main access road.
|