Riwaka Resurgence
The north branch of the Riwaka River pours out of the cave-riddled marble of Takaka Hill in this beautiful area of Kahurangi National Park. Damp forest, clear cold water, tranquil pools, and moss-covered and water-worn marble rock create a fairyland quality. A short path leads through the forest to where the river emerges.
One of the founding members of the Nelson Underwater Club, Ross McDonald along with his mate Eric King, Malcolm Hume and Roger Cross were first to enter the cave system to quell local rumours of a murderer hiding bodies inside the cave, equipped with little more than a candle in an Agee jam jar for light they proved the rumours false and discovered a labyrinth of tunnels.
Today the club dives with cave lines and modern torches to illuminate the way through the tunnels, we generally only goes as far as the third sump in the series of more than ten. Most of this trip is actually walking and the underwater portion is only about 20minutes. The trip is physically demanding and requires a high level of skill and strength especially when it comes to donning and doffing equipment in difficult condition, there are huge boulders and rapids to negotiate in the dark so being coordinated is important.
In saying this it is a spectacular full day trip that shouldn't be missed. The cave system is fairly open with large caverns but there is a small portion which you will need to squeeze through if you choose to, it is not essential. The cave has many slice flows, stacamites and stalactites with are very interesting even if you have seen them before. Apart from the occasional small eel in the water there is absolutely no life within the caves.