Limestone creek Glow Worm Caves 

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To enlarge, click on information sign
About 20 minutes drive north east of Apiti, you will come to the entrance to some special limestone and glow worm caves. It was a 600-meter loop track, included walking through the caves, then climbing up through a bush walk coming back onto the road.
Unfortunately, access to the walk, mentioned in the sign to the left, only includes the caves as threre is now a literal log jam blocking the track, which continues up through native bush.
This area of Manawatu is isolated, and the last few kms to the caves, are on the windy, narrow, gravel Limestone Road.
These special and unique caves are on private land and protected by QE11 National Trust.
Please read the information on the left, which can also be found at the entrance of the walk that leads to the caves.
The walk from the entrance to just before the stream has been upgraded. There are now steps at the bottom in the clay with a rope to hold onto if required. Extra yellow-triangle markers have been been put in place for easier identification of the track. When you get to the stream TURN RIGHT. Walk a short distance then walk over a bridge sitting over the stream, then continue to follow the yellow markers to the caves. You will need to be prepared to get wet feet. Gumboots are an option. A raincoat is also recommended as there is water constantly dripping into the caves. 
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Access to the caves
  • ​Travel a few kms north of Apiti
  • Turn right onto Table Flat road, which is partly sealed then leads onto gravel
  • Carry on to a Y junction
  • Via right onto Limestone Road, a narrow, winding gravel road not recommended for large motorhomes
  • Continue for a few kms, then the entrance is on the right. There is parking space a little further up from the entrance.
  • Remember this is a remote wilderness experience area, and not for the unfit or those with disabilties. 
  • The track & stream, which pass through the caves, involves negotiating slippery logs & boulders in the stream bed.
  • The walk up into native bush is no longer accessible due to a log jam brought down in a winter's flood.
The rock formation and colours within the caves are stunning. Moss, fern and lichen are seen growing on the cave walls providing a range of different greens & red. Then there are the golden and silver colours of the walls tinged in places with lilac.
There is a stream running through these almost triangle-shaped caves with water constantly dripping through from the top.
At night glow worms are seen within the caves making a sight to be seen. However, please don't use flashlights if you are thinking of taking photographs at night time.
KEEP WTHE LIMESTONE CAVES BEAUTIFUL
 !      ​Strictly no camping, tenting or freedom camping
 !   Strictly no fires
 !   Take away all rubbish. Leave only your footprints.​
​ !    No toilet or rubbish facilities available
​Motorhome, camping & toilet facilities available in Apiti