Camp Bay Cave is a hidden gem of a cave just around from Diamond Harbour. On the Nor-Western Coast of Camp Bay in Banks
In Detail
There is not a name on the topographical map nor a location tag on google maps nor even a Google Search that I could perform that would lead me to the name of this place. As it is a cave on the edge of Camp Bay I have referred to it as Camp Bay Cave. The only way to find such a spot would probably be through word of mouth from locals in the area. If you have a keen eye like me you may have spotted it on the beach.
I had located this spot from the shores of Camp Bay sitting on the beach from my previous trip here. It was a fair way from the beach to get to the cave. The first attempt at getting to the cave we scaled rocky outcrops from the beach. We were soaked before long, doing our best to avoid the crashing waves.
Getting There
Camp Bay Cave is around from the Camp Bay (hence the name). I have drawn a rough map of the route that I took to get down to Camp Bay Cave. It takes approximately an hour to 45mins return from Camp Bay carpark. Follow the road up to the second bend in the road and descend down the second valley from the carpark. An abandoned car has been left to rot after a tremendous crash down the gully. It’s a slip and
With an outgoing tide, it gave us some peace of mind. Not having to worry whether our bags and gear would get washed away with the sea. Make sure you check the tides here before you head out.
Camp Bay Cave
Exploring the rocks is a lot of fun, arriving just after high tide the cave made for an epic dive spot. There was a decent surge that would come into the cave that I was cautious of. I wanted to ensure that the water below was clear of any rocks before I jumped in case I injured myself. I headed in first, treading water to ensure I felt comfortable with the surge. At this point, it was important to find a solid exit point around the rocks after jumping. The rocks were quite sharp and ended up cutting up my hands on the way out. The surges in the waves added to the complexity of exiting the water without getting smashed up against the rocks.
With all the rocks below snorkelling would be interesting. It is difficult to know what visibility would be like in the water, this would vary with the seasons and the time of day.
On the way back from the cave we followed a different route crossing to the rib of the hill then heading straight up to the outward corner to meet the road. It was a stroll back along the road back to the Camp Bay carpark.
Camp Bay Cave is one of the most exciting spots that I have been to so close to home. It’s an epic cave overlooking Godley Head, a car that has been abandoned and not to mention, my favourite place to pop a bomb in Christchurch. If you are up for an adventure be sure to hit this spot up.
