Clifden Limestone Caves

The Clifden Limestone Cave System is in the Western Southland Region of New Zealand, on private land close to the hamlet of Clifden.

Geology
The cave is formed in Miocene limestone created from the accumulation of shell fragments, sand and pebbles in the Epeiric Zealandia sea. It is a solutional cave.

Ecology
Glow worms or titiwai (Arachnocampa luminosa) find a natural habitat in the Clifden Cave System because of its damp environment with little or no wind.

Recreation
The cave system runs about 300 m. A marked through route with fixed ladders is available for properly equipped people who wish to experience caving, and other passages are accessible for experienced cavers.