Cave Stream Scenic Reserve — Attraction in South Island

This can be a fantastic or a DEADLY experience! BE FOREWARNED: if the WATER IS DEEP or if you don't have BACKUP FLASHLIGHTS - or worse, both, hiking this cave can be very dangerous. My girlfriend and I started in late one afternoon (first key factor) when the water was high (second VERY key factor) - a little over 4.5 feet deep in the entry pool. We were foolishly unprepared, expecting sort of a wet walk in the park once we got past the first pool, with water around our ankles. On this particular day, that was way wrong! Our lone, handheld flashlight (third and most important factor) went into the drink as I tried to pull her up a ledge that becomes a significant waterfall when the stream has substantial flow (when it's been raining upstream there can be much more than the little trickle you see in most photos). Once we were plunged into total darkness, it was only by taking photos with a flash camera that we were able to identify and climb over a rockfall that blocks the cave about midway through. We advanced only about 10 feet in 45 minutes. It is virtually impossible to find your way in this cave when there is significant water flow and you don't have any light. Although we finally got over the rockfall, we would almost certainly not have been able to navigate the remainder of the cave with just the camera. Had it not been for Johan and Maleen from Sweden, who thankfully came through with multiple headlamps about an hour later (the last hikers that day), we would likely have died from hypothermia before someone found us the next morning. And no, we would not have been the first (you can look it up). So heed the warnings and...

We pulled up here with no knowledge of the cave system underneath. After a brief read of the safety guidelines i decided to have a look at the cave entrance. The water was beutiful and it was a warm clear sunny day so with my phone at 80% battery (waterproof) and a back up torch i began my journey into the limestone cave. (My partner was not going into the water so just me myself). After 10 minutes in, i realised going back out the way i came was not an option and so.. on into the cave i went. At about this point you may notice the water sound increase, dont panic like i did as this is just the first of a few rapid/falls you will need to climb. I definately recommend a head torch to make climbing these easier. The water depth at this time was never above my stomach and i am 189cm tall, at the end you will come out into a small waterfall with pool and a ladder to climb out. This experience was amazing and beyond any other on my south island travels, and it was free. Doing it on your own.. it felt exhilerating but i would recommend a buddy unless your after a bit of fear/exhilaration ;)

(water depth in rain/wet season is probably gonna be higher so you may need a wetsuit to keep warm and be prepared to...

We fitted this into a 3 hour deviation during out drive from mt cook back to Christchurch and it's a must do. We think it's underrated as an adventure. It was an amazing experience to hike through the pitch dark cave with water under your feet. It could be waist deep at a few places for really short stretches but just knee and ankle deep water mostly. Even thought it was cold outside, inside of the cave was warm and you'll get used to the water temperature. We went in swim wear and a wind cheater. Wind cheater helped during the hike down to the cave entrance and back up because it was cold windy. Make sure you take the right path down from the parking to the spot where the river comes out of the cave and walk against the flow. Check on weather conditions and don't go in if it's raining (slight drizzle is OK) or the water is murky. There is a bit of a tricky ladder at the very end where extra care is required. Some spots where the water flows rapidly, you may need to help each other in the group. Please carry one torch per head and that needs to last an hour. Extra batteries if you want to be safe. Camera may get wet. We didn't take any pictures and only have the experience to leave a lasting...