A remote cave system on the edge of the King Country has just been officially closed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), following what officials call a “routine safety assessment.”
But regular cavers and locals say the closure doesn’t add up — and there’s more to this story than DOC is letting on.
Because while the public statement cites “stability concerns,” the cave in question has shown no recent signs of damage. There’s been no heavy flooding, no slips, and no reported injuries.
And the timing? Unusual. Sudden. Unexplained.
A cave with no name — and no access
Located west of Te Kūiti, this particular cave — known to experienced cavers as “Ngāwhāri Hollow” — is not listed on any official DOC brochure, but has long been used by university research teams, school caving clubs and trained private groups.
It’s not a tourist attraction. No guided tours. Just limestone, still pools, and one of the most intact sub-fossil layers in the North Island, according to several past studies.
As of last week, the entrance is now barred with a locked steel grate, freshly welded. Warning signs have gone up:
“Restricted Area – Entry Prohibited Until Further Notice.”
DOC’s official line: “This site is temporarily closed for internal monitoring and public safety.”
No timeline. No reason beyond a vague reference to “structural review.”
Locals say something changed
Cavers who had scheduled trips into Ngāwhāri Hollow say they were notified last-minute.
“They cancelled our permit three days before the trip,” says Callum, who leads a university outdoor programme. “No detail. Just a message saying the site is no longer available and not to reapply.”
Local iwi, who have historically worked alongside DOC on site access, have also declined to comment.
One kaumātua simply said: “There are things below that are not for everyone to see.”
What might be down there?
People familiar with the cave say recent expeditions noted a sharp drop in air temperature, unusual condensation, and sections of the cave wall that had cracked — not from erosion, but clean, straight fractures.
Some believe the cave may have opened into a second chamber, possibly with archaeological or spiritual significance.
Others whisper about something older. Bones found. Something buried.
None of it confirmed — but all of it quietly discussed in hushed tones among those who’ve been there.
Silence breeds speculation
With DOC refusing to answer further questions and iwi offering no statement, speculation is intensifying.
Some suspect an undisclosed scientific discovery. Others fear the presence of unstable gases, or even unmarked burial grounds.
And yet, no rāhui has been publicly declared. No environmental hazard has been issued.
Only silence.
And a locked gate where the path used to lead in.
What now?
For now, the cave is officially off-limits — even to licensed researchers. Access is revoked “indefinitely,” and there is no date for review.
But in a region defined by what lies underground, you don’t close a cave like this without a reason.
And when no one will explain what that reason is, people start asking the question DOC won’t answer:
What exactly did they find down there?
Honestly, what if they closed it to hide something *illegal* or dangerous? Sounds like a classic cover-up, not just “safety issues.”
Come on, not everything is a conspiracy. Sometimes safety issues are just that—safety issues.
Nonsense. Especially in the absence of an “official” explanation!
Maybe they got a grip!!
Ha haaaaa love it.
Totally agree. If it as “safety issues” they would have some kind of date for fixing one would imagine.
I grew up neat Waitomo. My dad built some of the museum. My neighbor was the guy in the caving video. I’ve been in maybe all the caves that are or were ever open to the public at all. The secrecy here dumbfounds me. It’s like someone was spooked and had the authority to close it, but knows nobody will believe them why. This is unacceptable
Malcolm, my father lived with maori out that way a very long tome ago. They knew of caves with another race in them, they also spoke of them in their oratory history. What are the odds they have found some.
Would it be possible that the small tiny white cave dwelling blue eyed flute playing deceptive post Maori live there as they do in the coromandel I can never remember there name but friends and I have been totally spooked 😳 up there a few times. We have been there since we were kids. Thames locals. Dusty car child hand prints on the cars in the morning.
Patupaiarehe. But check the information around the DNA findings of the Ngati Hotu people.
Also, a Tūwharetoa hui also seems to confirm there was an ancient earlier peoples that had been ‘conquered’ by them. 🤷🏼♂️
That would be the Fae, the Fairy Folk, known by Maori as the Patupaiarehe. They are of Celtic origin and the true guardians of the forest. They can be nice or nasty depending on what they think of you and how you treat the land.
I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe they found other bones that were here before Maori ? I have heard people talk about other peoples that we had before Maori’ But who knows
yep pre-Maori folk like their oral histories.
that would fit with DOC corruption.
Honestly, I bet the government’s hiding some secret experiments down there. Why else the sudden silence and zero info? Sounds fishy!
Classic conspiracy paranoia. Sometimes silence just means nothing’s happening, not some secret cover-up.
So much speculation… go get a coffee
Yes is it paranoia but it is government created paranoia. If it is a safety issue why don’t they release the details of the actual safety issue and explain why it can’t be mitigated other than closure and who authorized these decisions and when and for how long..
That’s Aotearoa’s taonga and let’s keep it that way. Land, heritage, and wairua of the place should be protected.
In all Government departments someone should be answerable let alone accountable. Who’s at the top and gets paid very well for not doing there job.
If they’re not willing to answer how about Mr Prime Minister.
What gives them the right to hold back important information as it must be to block the entrance.
Do they realize this causes curiosity and what happens with that
Honestly, I bet they found some secret government stuff down there. Why else the sudden silence and no clear explanation? Suspicious much?
Secrets r above their paygrade !!??
Seriously. Ots closrmed. Get over it. There is obviouslyva reason OR why would any person or group waste their own time doing this. ALWAYS people making trouble, be negative, create dusruption. GET A GRIP !
Lyn how about you get a grip you have no right telling people what to do. I bet your just a gossiping old hag who thinks they no everything.
Bhahaha ur reply was gold i have chronic depression and in constant state of fear and anxiety and ur reply made me laugh so hard and a big smile I needed cheering up laughter medicine for the soul 🙂 love it cheers
Has it occurred to you “they” dont do stuff to amuse or annoy you. Go do something constructive
Do you ever shut that fat mouth of yours?
They found a gravy train stop sign, so they making sure no one sees it.
Duh
Do you have nothing better to do Karen? Get a life.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Isn’t that typical of a government department, no transparency
Probably more evidence of pre maori people. Doc and maori have been covering up evidence for decades.
100% this! My first thoughts too. Will have discovered proof that there was a civilisation here pre Māori. They can’t admit that though or it would make the treaty null and void. Including all the claims “The crown” has or had.
Lolz… wild imagination.
That sounds more like the truth
One kaumātua simply said: “There are things below that are not for everyone to see.”
That must give a clue.
Who cares what some old guy thinks. What reason is given for the closure. Voodoo is not a reason. Sounds like a backdoor land grab
Yawn
No they haven’t were did you get that load of garbage from?
Maoris don’t like admitting that they raped and pillaged and murdered the previous inhabitants of our country..
They’re NOT indigenous, by their own oral history they drifted here in 7 bits of drift wood. They colonised the previous people, we turned up and colonised them. Why do they have do many rights compared to other colonised races and why are they being handed ownership to everything on a silver platter.
Your correct, hellen ckarke signed off on the sealing up of the cave found in the waipua Forrest, had lre maori artifacts inside, and its can’t be opened up until 2085, what does that say, they want the older generation to have died off who knows what is realy in there, if its proven maori wernt here like they say then how will they pay back the billions they extorted and gained fraudulently off the tax payer, if they have nothing to hide open the cave up
Very likely!
Honestly, I bet they found something wild down there—like ancient tech or secret experiments—and that’s why they’re shutting it tight. Thoughts?
Alien? T Rex? Mass grave? This is torture, not knowing… hahahahaha
about time for DOC to be disbanded
Right there
Long overdue
You going to move in and act for them eith your bias it’ll be a leaning tower ,…
Who gave DOC the right to play censor. The public have a right to go whete they wish.DOC managed land belongs to the public. Secrets breed secrets.
Honestly, could this be about some secret government experiment? Caves always hide more than just rocks—locals definitely know more, trust me.
Yawn. Something well thought out to say?
Yeah. Traffic cone surplus just as likely; someone stuffed up the order.
Yep, mind your own business University. Not everything is for public knowledge, you don’t own the cave so but out and leave the rightful people deal with this which DOC in association with the rightful owner, Maori. You will be told when the time is right, if that time ever comes.
Wrong every new Zealander owns that cave a big cover up going on here. And I am guessing some corruption to
Here here!
The entitlement, nek level
Honestly, what if they shut it down to hide something wild, like ancient tech or secret experiments? Seems way fishier than just “safety.”
Or maybe it’s just a boring safety issue, not every mystery hides a conspiracy, chill.
I bet you’re into alie s and UFOs. Dreama
Times are changing, earthquakes and volcanic activity is suppose to increase dramatically and some geo experts predict taupo might blow, then there’s mag pole shift
So why the lack of transparency?Which creates distrust and DOC is a public servant organisation so be accountable to the broader public.The question is what don’t they want the public to see?
Your so right there, if it was just about safety issues it would not have been a problem to warn the public so why the secrecy indeed?? You shut up gate shut up why and expect the public to not ask questions??? People will find out sooner or later more so if it was for your gain only! or for the good of the people!
Honestly, feels like they’re hiding something way bigger than just “safety concerns.” What if it’s not a cave at all? Wild stuff!
Wow, it seems that NZ is riddled with these strange Area 51 type locations that the Government don’t want us to know about, with the DOC being like the men in black. Great investigative journalism Morningside. This is definitely the sort of news the mainstream media won’t touch. Can you look into the cost of living crisis next. I reckon DOC are behind that one as well.
Do you identify as a toaster?
Honestly, I think they’re hiding some secret government experiment or illegal stuff down there. Why else the sudden silence and lockdown? Suspicious!
Or maybe its just a boring renovation, not every silence screams conspiracy, chill out.
Maoris don’t like admitting that they raped and pillaged and murdered the previous inhabitants of our country..
They’re NOT indigenous, by their own oral history they drifted here in 7 bits of drift wood. They colonised the previous people, we turned up and colonised them. Why do they have do many rights compared to other colonised races and why are they being handed ownership to everything on a silver platter.
Honestly, I bet there’s some secret government experiment or ancient treasure down there. Why else keep everyone totally in the dark? Suspicious much?
Classic conspiracy paranoia. Sometimes a mystery is just a mystery, not a government cover-up. Chill.
I’d say the two most likely explanations are one, gold was found and govt want to find a way to ‘claim the rights’ in an illegal way, or two, a burial chamber, big mystery is who? Clearly not your typical. Murder victims? Pre Māori settlers? Celts? Aborigines from before the mass land separations? Vampires? An unexpected mineral that’s very valuable other than Gold? Wonder if any geologists are going to start visiting the broader areas where other caving systems might connect?
Honestly, what if they’re hiding some secret government experiment down there? Seems too hush-hush for just a “closed cave” story.
Classic conspiracy paranoia. Sometimes a cave is just a cave, not a secret lab. Chill.
Honestly, isn’t it weird how they shut it without a proper reason? Feels like they’re hiding some government secret or alien stuff.
Honestly, what if they found something *really* wild down there and are just hiding it? Classic cover-up move, right? Feels fishy!
Honestly, what if they’re hiding something dangerous or illegal down there? Silence always screams cover-up to me. Anyone else thinking that?
Honestly, I bet the government’s hiding some secret experiments down there. Why else the sudden lockdown and zero info? Feels sketchy!
Classic conspiracy paranoia. Sometimes a lockdown is just a lockdown, not a secret sci-fi plot.
Who feels sketchy? The mirror?
All this and that what where when how bla bla bla at the end of the day its common sense normally people do this because of greed meaning they have found something to profit from which issue why the closure that’s all this country is now greed hunger for money nothing to give go chop the gate open with a grinder and look what they are not sharing
Honestly, I bet the government’s hiding some secret experiments or treasure down there. Why else the sudden silence and lockdown? Weird vibes.
Wrong every new Zealander owns that cave a big cover up going on here. And I am guessing some corruption to
Go on fyi on ask under the official information act by law they can’t lie and have to answer it’s that simple
They have spoken. !! Endless raving. Excite yourselves by waiting for the outcome OR climb on down and ?? die.. really !@
Tainui found cave drawer Inga in the Waikato, as did Ngai Tahu in the South Island north of Oamaru. They set up ‘Maori rock art’ centres.
In the press about 12 months ago, it was reported that Tainui had the drawings carbon dated. The result was 950AD and they claimed that the carbon dating process was completely wrong. They also mentioned that the rock art was stopped around the mid 14 hundreds.
The asteroid that hit the Pacific in 1434 way north of NZ, formed the Kermadec trench, rearranged the whole country setting fire to most of it (ash layers found in the Antartica from this time) parts broke off as it hit the atmosphere forming the Tongan Islands, one large piece fractured the Earths crust and Tonga still has a volcano. Another small piece landed just off Waimarama Beach named Bare Island
The round ‘boulders’ found at Moeraki, Mangaweka, Kaikōura coast when the earthquake raised the seabed are all crustacions out of the Kermadec trench.
( read Errol’s Asteroid which was accepted into the research library at Massey University.)
I predict that the findings discouvered in this recently closed off cave, contains evidence of Celtic and/ or Waitata, who arrived in NZ many hundreds of years pre Maori, and waitaha originated in Persia and their descendants have had their DNA Tested in recent times.Those That were not killed by Maori have descendants living mainly in Stewart Island.
Whena Cooper was Waitaha.
Look up “Skeletons in the cupboard” on U Tube.
Now. your comment ,makes the most sense of all the comments on this subject. Thanks for the information hgiven.
I’m gona take a guess and say they found giant bones buried with Dragon bones not dinosaur.
If tax payers money was used we should know we’re and what for
If it is not a big conspiracy then they should be able to elaborate beyond ‘safety’. Surely they got student loans to buy an education in conservation? Surely we pay them enough to get more information than ‘safety’? Tell you what, you can pay me half as much to go round closing everything and just saying ‘safety’. All the people angrily defending a lack of conspiracy while using the word quite a lot seem to be pretty certain. Maybe the real conspiracy is that magical word ‘safety’ seems to make you accept the flimsiest laziest excuses from the people you pay dearly for reasonable stewardship of our resources. Maybe you should send me all your money, for safety.
Just guessing…. Give it 3-4mths, it will have a doc sign out the front of it and tourists from near and far ,new development anywhere near there in the area? Follow the pūtea… Structural my ar$e.
Someone should OIA them, the council, and ask why? Contractors?? Taxpayers $$$
They probably found some pipi shells down there, that’s all it takes to shut things down in this country if “certain people” get involved….if you know what i mean??
Would that be because of human bones used to find them up norh cape reanga to be precise in the midden exposed by the shifting sand dunes
I believe there is once again a coverup pre-Maori and not be seen, not even by green eye and hair ansester. Cover it remove it so no body sees
Live Moa..🐐 lawn mower
Could also simply be ‘they’ are closing it off while local councils and govt figure out budgets/financial claims disputes and contacting/consulting with local iwi etc before taking further steps to ‘discover’/(uncover) the big mystery.
No conspiracy just red tape.
I think it is time we all do something about this before they start fast tracking this for mining because that is the Government intention at the hands of greed and most of this will go offshore to big companies that will never put it back
Doc is just another land grabbing scheme governed by luxie this time round. They use each other to claim the pieces of land that they want and then sell to over seas to either build commercialy or private, doc loves turning shit into reserves that no-one is even allowed to enter let alone can get to them..doc can’t even maintain what they have now let alone trying for new places..
Everything it’s possible to make beautiful creatures pretty family great nation fantastic smiles wonderful universe to all people all around the world all things wise is beautiful all creatures great in small all things wise is wonderful people lord God Jesus christ give them all AMEN 🙏 ❤️
Make beautiful pretty great fantastic wonderful knowledge chemistry is ah branch of science to make everything it’s possible all around the world 🌎 universe
Maybe its viking relics, from befor the moari’s arrived here. And it proves they wernt first. a little like the viking relics deep in the bush down south isl, where the moari wont even let thier own people go, as it dis-proves so much they claim to.
Definitely hiding something,the secrecy around it says so!
In my opinion, if there is no valid reason then it is an illegal closure.
So many honest new zealanders loose lands, waters, minerals, air, dev. potential are undervalued by govt. I hope whoever owns the lands has a firm hold, gains continued support from Iwi & Kaitiaki.
Our whanaunga have lived out their for decades, post community bulletins, check for missing people, stollen cash hauls.. why have they closed the cave.