Okupata Caves

The caves are unmarked and are not recommended for inexperienced cavers. There is significant risk of slips, encountering confined spaces and flash flooding.

From Waimarino (formerly National Park Village), travel on SH47 towards the volcanoes for approximately 20 km. Turn into John McDonald Road. Veer left at the Pukehinau Road intersection toward Pokaka Mill Campsite. The caves are approximately 7.5 km from the SH47 turnoff. The road is unsealed. A 4WD is strongly recommended.

Be aware of the hazards before entering the caves

Heavy rainfall may risk rising water levels in the caves. The route is a flooding risk during periods of high rain and has ongoing flash flood risk.

This environment features rock formations and running steams, and as such there is a constant risk of slick rock and slipping hazards.

The caves are unmarked, it is recommended you only access the caves with an experienced person to reduce risk of getting lost.

Leave your intentions with a trusted person

There is no cell phone reception within the caves, plan ahead before accessing this underground track and ensure people know where to find you should you encounter difficulty.

Access by 4WD

4WD is recommended for access, however Pukehinau Road is not recommended for recreational 4WD activities. Recreational 4WD activities are only permitted in Tongariro Forest Conservation Area on the 42 Traverse Track during the 4WD season – 1 December to 30 April.

Glow worms and cave weta live within the cave system.

The forest today is regenerating podocarp hardwood forest, still recovering from heavy milling in the twenty years between 1942 and 1961 where the kahikatea was used to make butter boxes and the matai and rimu for construction material.