Rawhiti Cave is a walking track to a viewing structure at the cave entrance, near Tākaka in Golden Bay, Tasman. The cave has what the Department of Conservation describes as possibly the most diverse and extensive entrance and twilight-zone flora of any cave in New Zealand, and its stalactites grow outwards towards the light.
The walk starts after the car park, where you cross Dry River and follow the marked route up the valley for about 30 minutes. It then climbs steeply for another 30 minutes, and the last section is steep and narrow, so reasonable fitness and tramping experience are needed. Dogs are not allowed, and other pets must follow conservation land rules. The car park is an informal one reached through private property, about 15 minutes' drive from Tākaka, off Packard Road in Motupipi. Dry River can flood after heavy rain, so do not cross it in those conditions. Our pick in Golden Bay for a steep walk to a cave with rare entrance plants.