The north island is a cavers’ paradise. Some areas have so many caves that it could take a lifetime to explore them. One of these karst systems that can be found in the raging river valley has some incredible caves. Here you can find the Peat Cave.
It’s a beautiful area to visit, with high mountains, deep valleys, rivers, and streams that cut deep into the limestone and the wildlife is awesome. Here you will find the peat cave, although it is not easy to find this gem. It requires a long walk up an old and deactivated logging road. Then it’s a long, steep slog through some very thick underbrush. You could very easily walk right by the opening, as it is only visible when you are right on top of it. It’s a very tight opening filled with logs and other debris, but once inside, you will be amazed at the beauty contained within its walls.
The area close by this cave contains a few other caves carved out of limestone, caves like the Minigil Cave, the Raging River Cave, and the Deer Cave to name a few. All of these caves are worth the hike to find them. The peat cave is one of my favourite caves to visit when you are here, there are no real pitches or choke areas, and you can walk in and go right to the end without getting on your knees. A special feature of this cave is the tube section, it’s carved out of white limestone and is pretty cool, looks like something a worm would create but on a much larger scale.
Caving is not for the faint of heart, and only a few individuals can handle the tight, dark passages that are found in these areas of karst. If you are able to go into these caves without freaking out, then you are in for a wonderful adventure travelling through these places of incredible beauty.