Harwoods Hole Track, Nelson
New Zealand's deepest vertical shaft Harwoods Hole is a cave system in Takaka Hill between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay that descends 176 metres into the ground.
New Zealand's deepest vertical shaft Harwoods Hole is a cave system in Takaka Hill between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay that descends 176 metres into the ground. Spelunkers who wish to explore the depths of the cave are required to have prior vertical caving experience. From Nelson, drive along Highway 60 past Motueka, up Takaka Hill Highway, till you take a right into Canaan Road that will lead you to Canaan Carpark. From the carpark, there is a 2.9 kilometre walking track along limestone rock formation through beech forest, with a short detour leading to the Gorge Creek Lookout with stunning views of the Takaka Valley and Gorge Creek. A round trip takes 1.5 hours without caving.
Harwood Hole has no barriers around the edge, and visitors with children are advised to exercise extreme caution around the area as it can get slippery. The sinkhole connects with Starlight Cave, and drops to an underground river below. It is one of the best abseiling spots in New Zealand, with magnificent views of sunlight streaming in through the 50 metre hole at the top. Many scenes from the Lords of the Rings movies were shot in the area and the caves.
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Harwoods Hole Track and Nearby Sights on Map
Abel Tasman National Park
Named after the first European explorer to see New Zealand, the Abel Tasman National Park between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of South Island is known for its golden beaches, granite cliffs, marble formations, estuaries, offshore islands, and scenic Coast Track, which runs from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north
Wharariki Beach
The Wharariki Beach lies at the northern end of South Island to the west of Cape Farewell
Gardens of the World
Located 25 minutes to the southwest of Nelson, the Gardens of the World capture the nature of flora from all around the world
Tahunanui Beach
A modern beach formed by deposition of sands from Tasman Bay over the mudflats near Waimea Inlet, the long and shallow Tahunanui Beach is very popular with swimmers and families
World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum
The National WOW Museum and Nelson Classic Cars Galleries are two vastly different collections under one roof
Broadgreen Historic House
Built in 1855, the Broadgreen Historic House is one of the oldest extant houses in Nelson that offers a glimpse of domestic life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras
Miyazu Japanese Gardens
Miyazu is Nelson's sister city, and the Miyazu Japanese Gardens were laid out in 1995 to honor this relationship
Founders Heritage Park
The Founders Heritage Park is a museum dedicated to Nelson's history and colonial heritage
Christ Church Cathedral Nelson
Dominating over the city of Nelson from atop Pikimai Hill, the Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral that serves as the principal church of the Diocese of Nelson
Suter Art Gallery
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū houses local, national and international art spanning over 200 years, including the finest collection of art by the 19th century artists such as Lindauer and Van der Velden