We left the Fox and Franz Josef glacier regions headed towards Christchurch in search of clear skies. It had been so rainy, windy, and cold, we really needed some sunshine, so our plan was to drive east until we found it. It was still raining as we went through Arthur’s Pass, which connects the west and east coasts. If it stopped raining, our plan was to look for trail heads in an interesting area and do a hike. Finally, the skies cleared up and we saw a trail head marker for the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve just outside of Castle Hill. We pulled into the parking lot and read about the area on the placards. It turns out that there is a cave nearby with openings at both ends so you can do a through hike. The cave was formed by running water of melting glaciers, and there is still a stream running through it. In order to navigate the cave, you have to walk upstream through cold, waist deep water. I told Jesslyn that we MUST check it out as I grabbed my camera and dry bag. Jesslyn wasn’t as keen on the idea as I was. The compromise was that we would inspect the entrance and if we didn’t feel comfortable, we would turn around.
Entrance to the cave
We got down to the the opening of the cave and I hopped in the water. I was quickly chest deep in icy water and turned around since it was only supposed to be waist deep. I let Jesslyn know that I was having second thoughts as she stood dry and warm on the shore. I then let her know that I was going to press on alone just a little further just to check it out. Just as quickly as the water got deep, it got shallow again, about knee deep, so I abruptly did an about-face and let Jesslyn know that the journey was still a go.
This cave is absolutely amazing. I feel that ‘amazing’ is an overused word, so I use it sparingly. It was amazing. The rock was wavy and smooth, worn away by thousands of years of water running through it. It looked fake to me, like Disneyland made a ‘cave’ ride. It was typically about 20 feet tall and wide. We trudged our way through the cave with our inadequate mini-mag lite and weak head lamp (don’t worry it was still totally safe), taking about half an hour to complete the third of a mile long cave.
I have never really been a big fan of caves. I have been in a few where I had to squeeze my body through incredibly tight spaces. While I am not very claustrophobic, I don’t really care for that, as I imagine most people wouldn’t. I have also been on several commercial tours through really large caves, which isn’t particularly exciting. But this cave, was a great size as to not feel confined and you are free to explore it on your own. Jesslyn later told me she was petrified the entire time, but I loved every minute of it.
The exit from the cave is just to the left of us near our feet. You have to climb up a steel ladder. Notice the high water mark on our chests.
- Jake