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Experience one of the world’s best GlowWorm displays in a pristine and untamed natural wilderness environment. Take a voyage of discovery in a subterranean world that is seldom seen.
Usually the preserve of keen, skilled adventurers, Underworld Adventures has the experienced, local guides and specialised equipment to share this magical world on adventures that suit families, the young and fit and even older explorers. Taking you to a place seldom seen, ancient, silent, timeless, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Operating from The Charleston “Underworld Adventure Centre and Cafe”, Underworld Adventures is situated alongside State Highway 6 in the historic township of Charleston on the Wild West Coast of New Zealand – 20 minutes’ drive on SH6 south of Westport, or 30 minutes’ drive on SH6 north of Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks.
CHILDREN/FAMILIES: “Child” refers to anyone up to and including 16 years old. “Family” refers to Two Adults and Two Children unless explicitly stated otherwise.
AGE LIMITS: For Underworld Rafting, a strict age limit of 10 years and up applies. For Adventure Caving, a strict age limit of 17 years and up applies.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 24 hours 100% | Full refunds (less any booking fees) will be issued for changes or cancellations up to 24h prior to departure.
CANCELLATION DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the unlikely event that inclement weather prevents us from operating our tours, full refunds will be issued.
SEASON: Open all year (2x departures daily in Summer, 1x daily in Winter)
Experience one of the world’s best GlowWorm displays in a pristine and untamed natural wilderness environment. Take a voyage of discovery in a subterranean world that is seldom seen.
Usually the preserve of keen, skilled adventurers, Underworld Adventures has the experienced, local guides and specialised equipment to share this magical world on adventures that suit families, the young and fit and even older explorers. Taking you to a place seldom seen, ancient, silent, timeless, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Float beneath surreal galaxies of GlowWorms, enjoy an easy walk and explore the way cavers do! Whichever cave adventure you choose, you’ll gain memories of a lifetime with an experience like no other.
Hidden in the wilderness of the Paparoa National Park these adventures have been created by experienced cavers to amaze and educate, to leave lasting memories and preserve our fragile ecosystems. With responsible and sustainable journeys at the core, Underworld Adventures will share with you the absolute best of the wild West Coast, offering personal, small-group tours in a real and untamed environment.
A magical journey of discovery in the simply stunning Cave and Karst Environment of The “Nile River GlowWorm Caves”. Journey by Rainforest Train into the Nile River Canyon. Explore the upper levels of the large Metro/Te Ananui cave systems in New Zealand, in its natural wilderness state. Get up close to interpret simply the best GlowWorm displays. Walk amidst magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations and take in the unique atmosphere of a large, unmodified wilderness cave. Discovered in the 60s, the Metro/Te Ananui cave system is one of the few caves in the world you can walk through and see in its natural, unspoilt state, the way it was discovered.
Departs 9:00, 11.30 & 2.00* | Duration 3 hour 30 minutes (*10:00 & 12.30 winter)
Take the rainforest train through the primeval rain forest and explore a calcite paradise in one of NZ’s largest limestone caves complete with stalactites and stalagmites. Float through’ incredible Glowworm lit grottoes and have fun bouncing down the gentle Nile River rapids. Underworld Rafting is a superb 4 hour award winning black water cave rafting adventure in the Metro/Te Ananui Cave System located in the Paparoa National Park
Equipped with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmet we use The Nile River Rainforest Train for travel through the primeval West Coast rainforest and between the towering cliffs of the Nile River Canyon. A short climb is required to enter the enormous Metro/Te Ananui Cave System where in the upper levels you will meander through a calcitic paradise of stalactites and stalagmites. In the lower levels you float through an awe inspiring glow worm grotto using only the natural light of the most prolific glowworm display as your navigational aid. Emerge in a lost world of virgin forest before leaving the tranquillity for the rushing waters of the Nile River Rapids. This is an award winning adventure definitely not to be missed! Bring your swimwear and a towel. We supply the rest.
Departs 9:00, 11.30 & 2.00* | Duration 4 hours (*10:00 & 12.30 winter)
Adventure Caving is full on expedition style caving which takes you into the Te Tahi cave system. Fully dressed in wetsuits, overalls and equipped with harnesses, lights and helmets we drive right into the heart of the West Coast karst.
Following some practice, the journey starts with a 130 ft abseil down the breath-taking Tomo. Underground a scramble over boulders in dry rift passages takes you to the active waterways where we climb, chimney, bridge gaps and crawl through amazing passages, surrounded by the water, the sound, the smell and the overwhelming atmosphere of the cave. These sporty passages with cascades, waterfalls, and squeezes lead finally to the last stretch of dry passage where crawling, climbing and open chambers lead to a hidden exit.
Definitely the right adventure for fit, capable adventurous with the desire for a sporty and fully involved caving experience. Suitable for fit people only, aged 16 and over. Bring your swimwear and a towel. We supply the rest, including a power snake.
Departs 9:00, 11.30 & 2.00* | Duration 5 hours (*10:00 & 12.30 winter)
includes Rainforest Train ride and free digital images
Family Friendly
Westport – 20 minutes
Punakaiki – 20 minutes
