Norwest Adventures Cave Rafting New Zealand

Norwest Adventures Underworld Cave Rafting and Glow Worm Cave Tours will transport you from Charleston, (30kms north of Punakaiki, 20 kms south of Westport), into a whole different world - and that's even before you get to the caves! The fabulous scenery of the Nile River Valley with its pockets of temperate West Coast rainforest set below eerie limestone cliffs sets the scene for these two incredible experiences.

Underworld Cave Rafting with Norwest Adventures

Meet at the Charleston Base where you will be fitted out with designer wet suits, wet suit socks boots gloves and helmet. A courtesy coach takes you to The Nile River Rainforest Train for transport through the primeval rain forest and towering limestone cliffs of the Nile River Canyon.

Once changed, a short climb is required to enter the enormous Nile River Cave System where you meander through a calcitic paradise of stalactites and stalagmites in the upper dry levels of the cave.

Down in the lower active levels of the Cave, you meet up with a slow moving underground river on which you float in your tube using only the natural light of a simply awe inspiring display of glow worms for navigation.

You emerge from the cave into a remote and untouched world before leaving its tranquillity for the rushing bubbling waters of the low grade Nile River Rapids.

• must be 10 years or over
• water confidence required
• suitable for water proof cameras only
• swimwear and a towel required
• allow 4 hours from our Charleston Base
• trips every morning and afternoon
• water proof digital camera taken on most trips

Glow Worm Cave Tour with Norwest Adventures

Meet at the Charleston Base where you will be equipped with caving helmets, coats and boots if necessary - then taken to the Nile River Rainforest Train for travel through the primeval rain forest close to the enormous

• must be able to walk unassisted for two hours on uneven surfaces
• warm clothing and robust footwear advisable
• trips every morning and afternoon
• trips takes 3 hours return to our Charleston Base