Need lighting to get directions.Smells quite mouldy.Good to follow others. There are smaller caves nearby which can be quite tight and easy to cut oneself
In case anyone gets confused (like I did), there are some smaller caves on the way to the main cave that are possible to scramble into but are not the intended route. The intended cave walk through has a clear arrow pointing directly into it and is tall enough for even a tall person like me (6'5") to walk comfortably into.
We'd been dreaming of lava tunnels for years, so were so happy to get this under our belts. In fact, Rangitoto island could have easily kept us busy for two days, rather than the one we spent here. We didn't even have time to walk across to Motutapu island. Look, it is an old volcano, and you can see the bit that the lava came bursting out of just a few hundred years ago on google maps. Visit the summit, it's an ancient treasure; full of trees now but previously a fiery mouth, spewing molten rock at a temperature of 1500 C. I think it's amazing that this was going on while Salisbury Cathedral was being erected on the other side of the world. It is all well-signed, but from the wharf, take the summit track and then a brief diversion three-quarters of the way up. Bit of a scramble in and through, but it's well worth it; a mobile phone torch is all you need. Remember to look at the walls and appreciate the fact that just a few hundred years ago, searing basalt flows were gurgling through this very tunnel....... In geological time, that ain't very long ago... As an aside, study some geology; it is amazing. Especially if you are a bit religious and think the planet was only created 6,000 years ago and looks like it does now because of a big flood and that Emperor penguins swam all the way across the equator to the Levant to get on a big wooden boat. You definitely need a bit of education if you believe that.
The whole scenery of Rangitoto Island is beautiful. The lava caves are no exemption. I think I expected a bit more cave or larger ones. Don't get me wrong, absolutely beautiful, just not as cavie as other caves I've seen so far.
Such an amazing place to be able to walk through. I'd recommend it to anyone
I thought i would be able to do back flips in the lava but i didn't get to see any actual lava. Bit of a scam but i spun some little girls jaw so that was sick.
Definitely worth taking the time to visit these lava tubes. Consists of 2 caves that run into each other with a short gap between them. Its a bit dark but there is some light, just take your time and use the light on your phone/torch if you have to. First cave gets a bit low for a few metres so watch your head. We managed this with 11 and 7 year olds.
Pretty rad island with lots of history and cool hike! Looks like it had a area to BBQ, if you so choose! The only thing I would add is better signs, like with "where you are?" maps, at the peak to be able know how the other trails connect.
So there is only one cave and it is difficult to walk through it. It is not a well prepared stalactite cave with stairs, handrails etc, better wear some good shoes (not sandals, not chucks etc). You have to walk up and down on stones into the dark (bring a light, cellphone flashlight works quite good). It can be narrow down there too, but in my eyes its worth it to go there!
You can find directions to Lava Caves by following this map link
Westgate, Auckland 0814, New Zealand
137 Parkhurst Road, Parakai 0830, New Zealand
Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Rambler Crescent, Beach Haven, Auckland 0626, New Zealand
Maki Street, Whenuapai, Auckland 0814, New Zealand
Silverdale, Auckland 0932, New Zealand