ONEPOTO CAVES TRACK

Easy | 2 hours return

LOCATION

The track is close to SH38, approximately 10kms south of Te Kura Whenua - Visitor Centre on SH38 to Wairoa.

ABOUT THE WALKWAY

The Onepoto Caves (also known as Te Ana-o-Tawa Caves) were well known to the Māori people of the Lake Waikaremoana area. Oral history tells of Tuwai, a warrior chief of Ngāti Ruapani, who slew five men who tried to overcome him while he slept in one of the caves. Another story tells of the time that Tuwai and some of his people took refuge from a Kahungunu taua (war party) in Te Ana-o-Tawa. Tuwai, placing himself at the narrow entrance to the cave, defeating the enemy one by one as they tried to enter.

The caves were formed by the same upheaval that created Lake Waikaremoana some 2,200 years ago. The caves range from small cavities and rock overhangs to deep recesses and tunnels up to 50 m long.

TIP

Take a torch if you intend to explore the caves as they have little natural light. . Use the photo opportunities and enjoy the amazing views over Lake Waikaremoana.