Clifden Overview

South of Manapouri and 14km north of Tuatapere, the hamlet of Clifden is known for its limestone caves, located 1km up Clifden Gorge Rd. after the limeworks en route to Winton. Spelunkers need to get a map in Tuatapere and bring two light sources, including a headlamp, before venturing inside (300m, 1-2hr. return via roadway). The caves are cramped and flood after rain, so if you decide to go, be extremely careful, and travel with a buddy. Take a moment to walk the suspension bridge, completed in 1899. Downstream, the protruding cliff face is said to resemble the profile of a legendary Maori maiden whose broken heart drove her to leap off the precipice. Free camping is allowed next to the bridge, where there is a rudimentary toilet. From Clifden, the road runs through the Waiau River Valley.

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