Okupata Caves

BY JULIAN THOMSON (OUT THERE LEARNING)
Accessibility: MODERATE
Oligocence limestone in Okupata Cave. J.Thomson / GNS Science
This cave has some simple karst features to discover, and diverts a stream from its original path to create an abandoned valley above the cave.
Okupata Cave. J.Thomson / GNS Science
The caves have been eroded into limestone that was laid down in the Oligocene, sometime between 34 to 23 million years ago. Limestones of this age are found in many different locations in the North and South Islands and they were deposited when New Zealand (or rather 'Zealandia' - ancient New Zealand) was mostly submerged under the ocean. The stream that disappears into the caves used to flow further along the narrow valley that is visible just to the left as you arrive at the metal step ladder. Since the caves were eroded by the stream, the water has diverted away from this valley which is now abandoned and overgrown with vegetation.
In Okupata Cave. J.Thomson / GNS Science
The caves are a complicated network of tunnels and it is best to be shown them by someone who is familiar with them. Take your time and look carefully for some interesting features typical of many caves. Fossil shells can be seen in places in the limestone . As the water has gradually eroded new passages at lower levels, many of the initial tunnels are dry. There are some very simple and small flowstone formations as well as lots of glow-worms that light up when you put your torch out for a minute or two.
Directions/Advisory

From SH47 turn into John McDonald Road. At the intersection with Pukehinau Road keep left and continue along the most obvious gravel road until you reach the sign for the caves after about 11 km.

It is recommended to only enter these caves with someone who already knows them so as to avoid getting lost. Note that the caves are subject to flooding in very wet weather. Do not enter the caves alone, take an extra light and be aware that there are loose rocks in some parts of the cave.
Please take great care not to damage any formations or the delicate glow worm threads.

Google Directions

Click here for Google driving directions

Accessibility: MODERATE

Follow the track a few minutes from the road until you can access the river bed via a metal ladder. There are several low entrances to the system in the immediate area.

Features
Sedimentary Fossils Landform
Geological Age
The rock is Oligocene Limestone (34 to 23 million years old). The caves themselves will have formed much more recently
Zealandia Evolution Sequence
Waka Supergroup (Flooding): 35 – 25 million years ago
Links