Harwood's Hole

At the top of Takaka Hill is a massive sinkhole known as Harwood's Hole. An intricate network of hidden limestone caves runs through the hill. One of the largest daylight shafts in the world (200m down and more than 15m in diameter) it is a spectacular sight leading to an abseiler's paradise.

Access the caves from Canaan Downs via a walking track through native bush with stunning rock formations framing the paths. Cavers can abseil down into Harwood's depths and emerge at a cave system near Takaka.

There is a great lookout track just above Harwood's Hole with views across the Takaka Valley and township and out to the Kahurangi National Park and Cobb Valley. Canaan Downs is also famous for its spectacular outdoor music festival held in a natural amphitheatre in Canaan valley every New Years Éve.

Many scenes from the Lords of the Rings film trilogy were shot in the area and you can book tours and relive the trilogy through operators in Canaan Downs.