Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Closed More info
Rawhiti Cave Track is closed due to a dangerous rockfall that has happened on the track at the cave entrance. The track will remain closed while a safety assessment takes place. Please notify us if this changes.
Please notify us if this has changed.
Grunt Factor: 9
Gnarl Factor: 90
3.5km
223m
223m
350m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Other
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +25.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -25.2%
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1:00
Slow
0.45:00
Moderate
0.30
Fast
Go through the gate and start by crossing the dry river bed and following it along to the start of the ascent. Follow the steep and rugged zig-zag track up to the cave entrance. Be prepared for some obstacles and hauling yourself up using anything you can get your hands on. A short, sharp climb with a great reward, and stare in wonder and amazement at the impressive Rawhiti Cave, before making your descent back the way you came.
The largest entrance to a cave in the whole of New Zealand awaits you at the top of the climb. A huge cave with gazillions of stalactites that are influenced by the growth of the moss.
Room for approximately 10 cars at the trail head.
8 km
9 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Easy to follow
Patchy.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Water unavailable. Bring your own, this short run/hike will make you thirsty, especially on a hot day.
Be aware in heavy rain the dry river bed can flood and become impassable.
Lots of obstacles to navigate on this run, but nothing impassable.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rawhiti Ramble
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Awesome track! Short and grunty uphill with a huge cave at the top. Well-worth a visit!
February 6, 2023
Do this run! Except bring your family and maybe do it as a walk ;) What a special place. I couldn’t help myself and shouted “Oh my God!” when we got to the cave. The other people there were too enthralled by the cave to mind.
March 20, 2022
A must do for any visitors to the bay. I'd suggest trading up to boots after any rain as the steep track gets pretty slippery/muddy. The cave entrance is stunning and Doc recently built a nice viewing platform. Years ago we spent a scary day exploring inside- what looks like a simple crater was a giant shaft filled in with car size loose boulders- and us feeling like ants crawling between them.
February 17, 2022
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