11 October 2026
Fine, apart from showers before dawn, then some cloud in the west from afternoon. Northerlies changing westerly in the morning, dying out early evening.
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1 / 8Waipu area
Waipū Caves Track
A 2 km walk leads through a picturesque karst limestone landscape, with magnificent views.
Distance
2 km
Walking time
1 hr 30 min return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Northland forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Westerlies.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Waipū Caves Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Waipū Caves Track
The track starts at the Whangarei District Council reserve, by the cave's entrance, off Waip ū Caves Road. There is a large flat area suitable for picnics and a Whangarei District Council administered public toilet at this point. Note: the entrance to the caves is directly across the Council Reserve before the track starts. Look across the large flat grassed area for the orange post, which indicates the start of the track. Cross the large concrete culvert and start climbing your way out of the Waip ū Caves valley. The track passes through the Waip ū Caves Scenic Reserve; after meandering among karst limestone formations it climbs up steeply, across areas of open grass and regenerating bush, before ending at a gate through to private farmland. The track ends on the ridgeline where you will be rewarded with panoramic views right across the Whangarei Harbour to Bream Head and out to the Hen and Chicken Islands. You must return back the same way.
Essential information for Waipū Caves Track
The caves are wet and slippery inside. The inner cave area is suitable for experienced cavers only. A torch and suitable footwear are necessary. Sinkholes are a common feature of karst landscapes. Stay on the track and closely supervise small children. Although classed as a Walking Track, the track is not always well formed. The track is wet, muddy and slippery at times. Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Getting there for Waipū Caves Track
The Waipu Caves track is located off State Highway One, on Waipu Caves Road, south of Whangārei near Waipu. To reach Waipu Caves Road from SH1 take either Shoemaker Road, from Waipu or Springfield Road from the north. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Waipū Caves Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Waipū Caves Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.