Tucked into a limestone bluff deep in the South Island’s backcountry, this cave was once a favourite of seasoned explorers, geology students and adventurous hikers.
Now it’s sealed.
No warning, no formal announcement — just a new steel gate, a “Restricted Area” sign from the Department of Conservation (DOC), and a growing list of unanswered questions.
Locals who have visited the cave for decades say they’ve never seen anything like it. And DOC isn’t saying much.
A cave with a quiet cult following
Located in a little-known valley in the Waitaki district, the cave — known informally as “Echo Hole” — isn’t on any major tourist maps.
You had to know where to look: a steep climb through thick bush, then a narrow opening in the rock face leading to a series of winding chambers, glowworms, and underground streams.
It wasn’t a commercial tour site, but word of mouth kept it alive among adventure seekers.
“It wasn’t huge, but it had this eerie beauty,” says Reuben, a local caver. “You’d feel completely disconnected from the world.”
Until recently, DOC only issued informal guidelines about the cave: bring headlamps, don’t disturb the wildlife, avoid entering after heavy rain.
That changed in May 2025.
A sudden closure — no explanation
Sometime between late April and early May, a steel barrier was installed across the cave entrance, along with laminated signs reading:
“ENTRY PROHIBITED. DO NOT ENTER. AREA UNDER REVIEW.”
DOC has not released any public notice or press release regarding the closure. No new risks — flooding, rockfall, or contamination — have been reported.
When questioned, a DOC spokesperson gave a brief statement:
“We are assessing the site due to a combination of environmental, cultural, and safety concerns.”
No further clarification. No timeline for reopening.
Rumours and theories fill the silence
With official information scarce, speculation has exploded online — especially in caving and tramping forums.
Some claim the closure followed a mysterious discovery during a university-led mapping expedition earlier this year. Others point to rare cave-dwelling species possibly found in deeper chambers.
One rumour suggests iwi representatives raised concerns after a taonga (sacred artefact) was accidentally uncovered by visitors.
Another theory, more ominous, speaks of unexplained sounds recorded near the back chambers: metallic echoes, vibrations, and even whispered voices.
“I don’t believe in ghosts,” one commenter wrote, “but that cave never felt right to me. Like it was watching.”
Locals divided
In nearby towns, long-time residents are puzzled — and frustrated.
“I’ve gone in there since I was a teenager,” says Liz, 58. “No one’s ever been hurt, and now suddenly it’s too dangerous?”
But others urge caution and respect.
“If it’s sacred or endangered, better to close it,” says Tama, a Ngāi Tahu descendant. “Some places aren’t meant to be explored by everyone.”
Will it ever reopen?
DOC has given no date, no plan, and no promise. The cave remains behind lock and key, and access is now a prosecutable offence.
For now, Echo Hole has slipped back into silence, hidden once again beneath rock, moss, and mystery.
And maybe that’s exactly how it wants to stay.
Why the secrecy around the cave closure? Maybe its hiding NZs own Area 51? Always thought those glowworms were too otherworldly! 🛸🐛🔮
Maybe the cave is now a secret government facility? Or a home for aliens? Just saying, the mystery makes it more interesting now. 🤔👽
Or its just a cave. Sometimes a mystery is just a lack of information. 🙄🤷♂️
Maybe theyve found some rare, endangered species. Or its a secret alien landing site. Whats the government hiding, huh? 🤔👽🌿
Or maybe its just a normal forest and youre overthinking it, buddy. 🙄🌲🌳
Anyone else think this NZ cave closure smells fishy? Government cover-up or ancient Maori curse? Lets hear those wild theories, folks! 🤔🔍
Maybe its just Mother Nature reclaiming her space. Ever thought of that?
Maybe the cave is suddenly off-limits because the government found gold? Would explain the secrecy. Or is this an alien cover-up? 🤔💰👽
Quote from 1 Ngai Tahu descendant, Some places aren’t meant to be explored by everyone.What? Seems DOC believes themselves to be above explaining themselves to the common man.