Central Park New Zealand

Regardless of whether your idea of caving is a casual stroll through glow-worm caves, or a scramble on all fours through small gaps, tunnels and underground streams, Central Park has something for everyone. We have some of the most spectacular and challenging caving systems anywhere in the world, and they are accessible for anyone.

Perhaps New Zealand’s best known caving area, Waitomo is located at the far west of the Central North Island region, just a short two hour drive from Auckland and even less from Rotorua Airport  Created millions of years ago, its limestone formations are home to the world-famous Glowworm Caves, as well as the Ruakuri and Aranui Caves.

You can literally “drop” into the heart of the caving system by abseiling, and then squeeze through tunnels and climb rock walls on any combination of cave networks and tours. Or you might like to take in the caves on one of the natural rivers that flow beneath, either blackwater rafting on river rafts, or hands on through a tube. Either way offers an unforgettable experience that is unlike any other around the world. Or, you can take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular glowworm caves – a truly magical experience.

If you want to combine your caving with some winetasting, head for Hawkes Bay’s limestone caves, on the east coast. There are dozens of spectacular caves from Napier down to Waipukerau, including the Clonkeen Caves. Each offers a different experience and can be topped off with a soak in the local hot pools afterwards – or a sample of some of New Zealand’s best wines at the Hawkes Bay vineyards.

Rock climbing or abseiling is another way to experience the best of New Zealand’s natural geology. Tongariro National Park provides plenty of opportunities in areas such as the Mangatepopo Valley, Pukekaikiore, Meads Wall or Iwikau Village) as does the Coromandel Peninsula’s Castle Rock area, where spectacular climbs can be reached by abseiling from the top.

Or if you’re simply looking for a rainy day activity, there are a number of indoor climbing walls across the region in Coromandel, Tauranga, Rotorua and Hawkes Bay, all catering for a wide range of skill levells.