Abbey Caves Reserve

Announcement

We are supporting the rāhui (restriction of access) that Ngāti Kahu o Torongare and Whangārei Hapū have placed.
The reserve is open but the caves are closed until further notice. Please be considerate and stay out of the caves.

Photo of a limestone rock outcrop at Abbey Caves.

Abbey Caves Rāhui (restriction of access)

Abbey Caves Reserve covers 18.7 hectares and features naturally sculptured limestone outcrops, along with a loop walkway set among established native trees.

The three caves within the reserve are closed to visitors until further notice.

The reserve contains two distinct areas of native bush with well established podocarp–hardwood forest, including notable pūriri trees.

The site also includes the historic location of the former home of Nathaniel and Amelia Clotworthy.

Parking and public toilets

There is a carpark opposite 71 Abbey Caves Road, approximately 200m north of the Abbey Caves Reserve entrance.

Public toilets are available at the Abbey Caves Road car park.

Please use the footpath when walking from the car park to the reserve entrance.

What to expect

When visit Abbey Caves Reserve, please be aware of the following:

cell phone reception may be limited or unavailable
a steep wooden stile and steps at the entrance
large rocks to negotiate in places
marked electric fencing
wear appropriate footwear
uneven grass paths, which may be muddy and slippery after rain
seasonal grazing by livestock.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

Abbey Caves walkway

Grade: 3
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 1162 metres

Access is via a steep wooden stile followed by a series of box steps, leading down onto a circular mown grass walkway.

A circular track 1300m in length takes about one hour to walk. It passes through both open farmland and native bush where impressive limestone boulders and outcrops can be seen.