Although I’m the first to admit I’m a complete arachnophobe I went to the Oparara Basin with one goal in mind – get up close to a Northwest Nelson cave spider and take a photo. Luckily for me they live in one of the more stunning parts of New Zealand so I had plenty of non creepy crawly activities to keep me busy during my trip.
Located about as far off the beaten track as you can get, the Oparara Basin is an hour north of Karamea – which is itself an hour and a half north of Westport. The drive up along the coast is jaw dropping in any weather – which is probably an apt description of the weather on the coast – everything from blistering sunshine to rain and snow is common in a single day.
Discovered by loggers in the 1960’s and explored by cavers in the 1970’s the Oparara Basin is one part dense rainforest and two parts limestone wonderland. With 3 arches (two of which are public access), world renown caves, and gentle tracks meandering through postcard views there’s more than enough to keep anyone interested for a day or more.
My main interest in the Northwest Nelson Spiders – also known scientifically as Spelungula cavernicola is their rarity (limited to a few isolated cave systems) and their curious distribution – one population in two caves in the Takaka Valley and one on Kahurangi National Park’s western coast.
It turns out the cave spiders are perfect models – spending hours at a time completely still, the hardest part can be finding one in a position easy to photograph. After getting the pics I wanted myself and my partner in crime headed off to explore Box Canyon Cave. Box Canyon Cave is a large open cave with plenty of side passages for the more adventurous caver to explore – we spent the best part of an hour exploring one at the back of the cave.
On our way back from the caves we stopped in to check out Moria Gate Arch – which is definitely the highlight of any trip to Oparara. We had an entourage of south island robins following us most the way carefully checking our footsteps for tasty insects. Sidling down through a little cave into the arch you’re instantly struck with a sense of awe at how amazingly beautiful the sculpted limestone is – I highly recommend going when there’s few people around as its a shame to have to share the view with someone else.
If you’re looking for an off the beaten track adventure to one of the most stunning parts of New Zealand Oparara is for you. The cave spiders are totally optional and they’re not as freaky as you’d probably imagine.
Photos and text by Andy & Tamzin
Useful info:
When we went: Early October
The weather was: Mostly rainy and overcast
Walk time: 30mins to 3hrs
How to get there: Drive from Karamea (paved and gravel road)
Drive time: 1hr from Karamea
Keep an eye out for: natural formations, caves, rare plants, native birds (south island robin, weka, kiwi, riflemen, wood pigeon), North West Nelson Cave Spiders
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