The ultimate in geological eye-candy around these parts are the phytokarst features of Rawhiti Cave, a 15-minute drive from Takaka (reached via Motupipi, turning right into Glenview Rd, then left into Packard Rd and following the signs; the last 800m passes through farmland). The rugged two-hour-return walk is steep in places and can be dangerous in the wet.
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Rawhiti Cave
Takaka
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
25.98 MILES
Bleak, exposed and positively sci-fi, Farewell Spit is a wetland of international importance and a renowned bird sanctuary – the summer home of thousands…
5.69 MILES
Around 14,000L of water per second bubble up from underground vents here, making it the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere. It's also…
28.24 MILES
This remote, dramatically beautiful beach is a magnificent introduction to the West Coast, with a seal colony at its eastern end and otherworldly rock…
5.18 MILES
Here's your chance to catch a salmon and have it smoked for lunch or prepared as super-fresh sashimi. Rods and instructions are provided, but the fish…
25.9 MILES
Sitting pretty in Upper Moutere, with views across the grapes to the mountains of Kahurangi National Park, bijou Neudorf produces gorgeous wines including…
2.63 MILES
Between Pōhara and Takaka (signposted down Clifton Rd), you will find this crazy limestone maze punctuated by gnarled old rata trees and tall pencil-thin…
9.42 MILES
Just below the summit of Takaka Hill are the Ngarua Caves, a rock-solid attraction, where you can see myriad subterranean delights including moa bones…
9.93 MILES
A short detour off the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Torrent Bay and Anchorage is Cleopatra's Pool, a beautiful natural rock pool and moss-lined slide.
Nearby Takaka attractions
2.63 MILES
Between Pōhara and Takaka (signposted down Clifton Rd), you will find this crazy limestone maze punctuated by gnarled old rata trees and tall pencil-thin…
3.7 MILES
This small museum's standout exhibits include a diorama depicting Abel Tasman’s 1642 landing, and some dubious human taxidermy. Ask about the albatross,…
5.18 MILES
Here's your chance to catch a salmon and have it smoked for lunch or prepared as super-fresh sashimi. Rods and instructions are provided, but the fish…
5.69 MILES
Around 14,000L of water per second bubble up from underground vents here, making it the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere. It's also…
8.36 MILES
Beautiful views across Waiharakeke Bay to Awaroa Head, and the long, golden beach of Totaranui can be enjoyed at the Skinner Point lookout.
9.42 MILES
Just below the summit of Takaka Hill are the Ngarua Caves, a rock-solid attraction, where you can see myriad subterranean delights including moa bones…
9.91 MILES
The lookout at Separation Point, at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, has panoramic views of Golden Bay and the Tasman Sea.
9.93 MILES
A short detour off the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Torrent Bay and Anchorage is Cleopatra's Pool, a beautiful natural rock pool and moss-lined slide.