📍 South Island Must-Visit – Rawhiti Cave: The Secret Karst Wonder 🕳️

🪸 Why It’s Special: Thousands of stalactites grow TOWARD the sunlight due to a rare phenomenon called "phytokarst" 🌱➡️☀️. Unusual shapes and stunning salmon-pink colors 🎨🐠 A jaw-dropping, almost otherworldly sight 😲💫 Estimated to be over 1 million years old ⏳🧬 🥾 Trail Info: Distance: 1.7 km return Difficulty: Moderate 🚫 No dogs allowed The path is gentle at first but becomes narrow and rocky in the last section 🪨👣 ⚠️ Caution needed in wet weather — can be slippery! 📌 Location & Access: Just 10 mins (8 km) from Tākaka 🚗 About 1 hr 40 mins (100 km) from Nelson 🧭 ‼️ NOTE: The cave is currently CLOSED ❌ – always check the DOC website before planning your visit! Perfect for adventurous photographers and nature lovers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path wonders 📸🌿💖 Would you add this to your bucket list? 🗒️👇 #RawhitiCave #HiddenNZ #SouthIsland #CaveHiking #NelsonTravel