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)

The Abbey Caves Reserve features dramatic limestone outcrops and a loop walkway with established native trees.

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

Parking

There is a car park on-site. 

What to expect

  • Cell phones may have limited or no reception
  • Steep stile and steps at the entrance
  • Large rocks to be negotiated in places
  • Electric fencing (marked)
  • Wear appropriate footwear
  • Grass paths 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:          40 minutes
Distance:   1162 metres 

Access is over a steep wooden stile and down a series of box steps onto a circular walkway of mown grass.

Along the walkway, you will see two distinct areas of native bush, podocarp-hardwood forest, specimens of puriri trees, and site of the historic house of Nathaniel and Amelia Clotworthy.

Location

71 Abbey Caves Road, Whangārei 0175  View Map

Google Map
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Facility Snapshot

Features

  • Dogs allowed on-leash
  • Shaded areas
  • Toilets
  • Walks - unpaved

Trail grades

1 - A well made path with easy access for most people including families.  

2 - A short walk generally on well made path but may include steeper sections.  

3 - A longer walking track usually well made including steps and more suitable for people with reasonable fitness.

Information and maps

Abbey Caves map(PDF, 169KB)

Summer safe carparks

Summer safe carparks

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