Caving Areas

From Takaka Hill, south to the Arthur range and to Mt Owen, there are thick beds of marble.

Mt Owen covers a large geographical area which includes Mt Bell, Replica Hill, Sentinel Hill and Cullifords Hill. Access to the area is via the Owen River or Granity Pass, both of which are energetic walks in especially if carrying a heavy pack. Mt Owen still has many unexplored areas which offer the potential for new discovery and exploration. Expeditions into the region usually employ the use of helicopters to transport equipment, supplies and cavers into to the desired area (heli-caving).

Mt Arthur covers a smaller geographical area than Mt Owen and is more accessible. The two main systems on Mt Arthur are The Ellis Basin System and Nettlebed Cave. The latter being the deepest cave in New Zealand at 890m and with 25 km of explored passage. The Ellis Basin System is 775m deep and has nearly 29 km of explored passage.
Twin Traverse Tomo which lies high above the Ellis Basin has been pushed to a depth of 400m and if connected to the Ellis Basin System would give a new depth record of over 1300 m.

Mt Owen summit, looking south. Photo credit Jane Furkert

Takaka Hill at the northern end of the marble block is only one hour drive from Nelson. The hill is covered with karst features and offers many adventurous caving trips, most of which require experience and specialised equipment. There are two main resurgences - Riwaka and Gorge Creek. From the top of the hill several caves descend to around 400m Takaka Hill is also famous for it's impressive Harwood's Hole, an 176m abseil into Starlight Cave. The area offers excellent potential for new discovery and it is not uncommon for cavers to stumble across shafts not previously look at.

Booking Sleeping Bags in Salvation Hall

To ensure two parties don't plan to use the sleeping bags at the same time, before your trip please advise Dave Hume or Travis Cross of your intention to use them. Dave or Travis will let you know if another party is also planning on using them at the same time!

Nettlebed Fund

For each night that is spent in Salvation Hall, the underground campsite in Nettlebed, cavers are asked to give $20, which is spent on fixed rigging aids in Nettlebed.

The money is administered by Lindsay and Alice, from the Mt Owen Caving Expedition fund, and accounts can be viewed by contacting them.

Account: Mt Owen Caving Expedition fund
Number: 03-1593-0020457-00
Details with each payment:
- Cave Name: Bulmer/ Nettlebed
- Cavers Name:

NZSS put over $500 into new ladders, rope and bolts in Nettlebed in 2006 and new sleeping bags were organised. Up to March 2009 only $40 has been collected in donations from visiting Nettlebed. Recently, $35 was paid out for ring-hangers for Jacobs Well.

Anyone can use the money in the funds to install, replace or improve commuter rigging - just get agreement from the main stake-holders, send Oz a record of what you did for his Fixed Rigging register, and post Alice the invoice and your bank account number for reimbursement.