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Clifden
1 km
1 hour 30 minutes
0 metres
If you are looking for an adventure that takes you off the beaten track and deep into the heart of the Earth, the Clifden Caves Track in Western Southland is calling your name. This isn't your standard bush walk; it is a raw, uncommercialised, and thrilling self-guided exploration through a limestone labyrinth. Forget the paved paths and handrails of commercial caves—here, it’s just you, your torch, and millions of years of geological history.
Located near the small settlement of Clifden, this 1-kilometre loop offers a unique "choose your own adventure" vibe. While the track is short on paper, don’t let the distance fool you. You’ll be spending about 1.5 hours navigating a subterranean world filled with tight squeezes, fixed ladders, and the magical blue-green glow of titiwai (glow worms). It is a moderate challenge that rewards the bold with a truly authentic New Zealand experience.
The journey begins just off Clifden Gorge Road. After crossing a simple stile on private farmland, you’ll find yourself at the entrance of a limestone system that feels like a portal to another world. The transition from the bright Southland sunshine to the cool, damp breath of the cave is immediate and exhilarating.
As a loop track, the Clifden Caves Track takes you through a series of interconnected chambers and passages. The route is marked with orange reflective markers, which are your best friends in the darkness. You won’t just be walking; you’ll be engaging in a full-body experience. Expect to scramble over slippery limestone rocks, duck under low-hanging ceilings, and in some sections, get down on your hands and knees for a bit of a crawl.
One of the most exciting aspects of the walk is the series of fixed ladders. Some of these are up to four metres high, allowing you to descend deeper into the system or climb up into higher galleries. The terrain is often wet, and you should go in expecting to get your boots soaked. There are shallow pools and muddy patches throughout, but that is all part of the fun. The silence inside is profound, broken only by the rhythmic "plink-plink" of water dripping from the ceiling and the sound of your own breathing. It feels ancient, secret, and incredibly peaceful.
While the track is considered kid-friendly, it is best suited for adventurous children who are confident with heights and don't mind getting a bit dirty. For adults and families alike, there is a distinct sense of accomplishment when you finally see the "light at the end of the tunnel" and emerge back into the forest at the exit point.
A gravel parking area is available on the opposite side of Clifden Gorge Road, adjacent to the signposted cave entrance. This is a roadside parking area with no formal facilities.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica australis
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
14km away
Located in Tuatapere, Tui Base Camp offers a restaurant experience, serving as a hub for local activities and often catering to hikers and adventurers.
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Loop
The undisputed stars of the show are the glow worms (Arachnocampa luminosa). In the darkest, stillest parts of the cave, if you turn off your torch and wait for your eyes to adjust, a subterranean galaxy will slowly reveal itself. Thousands of tiny, bioluminescent lights cling to the ceiling, mimicking a starry night sky. These carnivorous larvae use their light to attract prey into sticky silk threads—a beautiful but deadly trap that creates one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural spectacles.
To find this hidden gem, head towards the Clifden area in Western Southland. The caves are located on Clifden Gorge Road. If you are coming from Tuatapere, it’s a short and scenic drive.
There is a gravel parking area located directly opposite the cave entrance signpost. It is a basic roadside area with no formal facilities (no toilets or rubbish bins), so make sure you use the loo before you arrive and be prepared to take all your rubbish home with you. From the car park, simply cross the road and climb the stile to begin your underground trek.
While the interior of the cave is home to the glow worms and the occasional cave spider, the area surrounding the entrance and exit is teeming with native New Zealand birdlife. The limestone cliffs and surrounding bush provide an excellent habitat for several species.
Keep an ear out for the friendly Fantail (pīwakawaka), which will often follow you to the cave mouth, fluttering about to catch insects stirred up by your footsteps. You are also likely to see and hear the Tūī and Bellbird (korimako), whose melodic songs echo beautifully against the rock faces.
If you are lucky, you might spot a South Island Robin (toutouwai) hopping near the track entrance; they are famously curious and may even approach you if you stand still. If your visit extends into the dusk hours, listen for the haunting "boo-book" call of the Morepork (ruru), New Zealand’s native owl, which nests in the surrounding trees.
The Clifden Caves are a fantastic year-round destination. Because the temperature inside the cave remains relatively constant, it can be a cool escape in the heat of Summer or a sheltered adventure during a crisp Winter day. However, your safety depends entirely on the weather.
The Clifden area is steeped in both geological and human history. These caves began their life millions of years ago when New Zealand was partially submerged under a warm, shallow sea. The accumulation of marine life created the limestone, which was later uplifted and carved out by acidic groundwater.
For humans, the caves have been a point of fascination for over a century. They have been a recognised tourist stop since the 1890s, making them one of the oldest "attractions" in the region. Unlike the highly developed Waitomo Caves in the North Island, Clifden remains raw. It represents a time when exploration was about personal discovery rather than guided tours and gift shops. Access is granted through the kindness of local landowners, so please respect the private property and the delicate cave environment—take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.
Once you emerge back into the daylight, likely a bit muddy and damp, you’ll probably be looking for a place to warm up and refuel.
Head 14 kilometres down the road to Tuatapere, the "Sausage Capital of New Zealand." Here, you’ll find Tui Base Camp. This local institution is the perfect spot for hikers. It has a welcoming, rustic atmosphere and serves up hearty meals that are exactly what you need after a subterranean scramble. Whether you want a big burger, a hot coffee, or a chance to chat with other adventurers about the glow worms you just saw, it’s the heart of the local community and a great place to support the Southland region.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round