Butter Cave Mōkau: Secret Sea Cave, Waterfall and Forest
Butter Cave is one of the best hidden gems on the North Island, yet most travellers drive straight past it. This huge sea cave sits on a quiet black sand beach below the tiny township of Mōkau. A waterfall tumbles down the cliff beside it, and a bamboo forest hides on the track above. It isn’t signposted from the highway, and many map apps don’t label it, so it still feels like a local secret.
In this guide, you’ll learn where to find Butter Cave, how to time your visit with the tide, and why this Mōkau sea cave matters so much to New Zealand’s history.
Where Is Butter Cave?
Mōkau is a small coastal town at the mouth of the Mōkau River on the King Country coast. State Highway 3 runs right through it. Although the town is officially part of the Waikato and Waitomo region, it sits just north of the boundary with Taranaki. New Plymouth is about 90 km to the southwest.
Butter Cave is on the beach below the township, a short walk from the river mouth. Some travel apps call it “Butters Cave”. Locals and the Mōkau Community Trust simply call it Butter Cave.
Why Is It Called Butter Cave?
The name comes from Mōkau’s farming past. When the local dairy factory was first built, there was no refrigeration. So workers stored the butter inside the cool sea cave until proper chiller storage arrived. The nickname stuck, and it has been Butter Cave ever since.
A Place of Deep Māori History
Long before the dairy factory, this Mōkau sea cave played a part in the story of Aotearoa. According to Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, the cave is one of the places where the crew of the Tainui canoe sheltered themselves and their waka. Tainui people came ashore at Mōkau, and also further north at Raglan and Kāwhia Harbour. Like many of the first canoes, Tainui explored the coastline before people chose where to settle.
Because of this history, please treat the cave with respect. Take only photos, leave nothing behind, and remember you are visiting a place of cultural significance. To learn more about Māori heritage on your trip, explore our Māori culture experiences.
How to Get to Butter Cave at Low Tide
You can only reach Butter Cave on foot at low tide. At other times, the sea covers the beach access. Experienced paddlers sometimes reach it by kayak or stand-up paddleboard instead. However, the west coast can be rough, so only paddle if you are confident and conditions are calm.
Before you go, check the local tide and wind forecast on the Discover Mōkau weather page.
Option 1: The Direct Route via Tokopapa Street
This is the quickest way in. First, drive to the dead end of Tokopapa Street and park. Next, take the stairs down to the beach. The cave is right in front of you, and the waterfall is just around to the left.
Option 2: The Mōkau Historical Township Walk
For the full cave, waterfall, and forest experience, follow the self-guided Mōkau Historical Township Walk. It starts at the Mōkau Museum on North Street. Along the way, you’ll pass a lookout above the old dairy factory and another at the end of Takarei Terrace. From there, the route leads through the bamboo plantation and down a walkway to the sand. You then walk past the waterfall and into Butter Cave, as long as the tide is out. Finally, steps opposite the cave take you back up to Tokopapa Street.
You can download the walk map from Discover Mōkau, or ask at the museum for directions.
Option 3: The Point Road Steps
Alternatively, walk down the Point Road steps to the river mouth. At the bottom, turn left and follow the beach to Butter Cave.
The Beach Waterfall
The waterfall beside Butter Cave drops straight down the cliff onto the beach. It is at its best after rain, when it becomes a proper curtain of water. In dry spells, it can shrink to a trickle. So if it has rained recently, that’s a great time to visit.
The Secret Bamboo Forest
Few visitors know about the bamboo plantation that sits between Takarei Terrace and Tokopapa Street. Walking through it feels like stepping into another world, and then the track opens onto the wild coastline below. It’s the perfect start to a walk that links forest, waterfall and sea cave in one short outing.
Best Time to Visit Butter Cave
The most important factor is the tide. Plan to arrive as the tide is dropping, so you have plenty of time on the beach. Visit after rain for the most impressive waterfall. In summer, the native pōhutukawa trees bloom red along the river mouth, which makes the area especially beautiful.
For more planning help, read our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand and our overview of New Zealand weather and climate.
Safety Tips for Visiting
- Always check the tide times first, and head back before the tide turns.
- Watch the waves. The Tasman Sea can surge without warning on this coast.
- Wear sturdy shoes, because the rocks and steps can be slippery.
- Never enter the cave if the water is rising.
- Tell someone where you are going, especially if you plan to paddle.
Other Things to Do in Mōkau, New Zealand
Butter Cave is the highlight, but Mōkau has more to offer, so give yourself time to explore.
Mōkau Museum. This community museum includes the original town jail, built in 1878. You can also play a pianola and watch films in the Jailhouse Theatre.
The Flowerpot. From the Tokopapa Street lookout, you can see the rock formation known as the Flowerpot. It is also a popular local swimming spot. The same lookout gives you a view of Butter Cave and the waterfall.
Mōkau Beach. The river mouth is a favourite fishing spot for kahawai and snapper. The black sand beach is also great for long walks.
The Three Sisters. Just 15 km south at Tongapōrutu, these famous sea stacks are one of the top sights on this coast.
Waitomo Caves. Heading north, State Highway 3 winds through the Awakino Gorge towards Waitomo, home of New Zealand’s famous glowworm caves.
For more inspiration, browse our list of must-do North Island experiences and the best New Zealand beaches.
Add Butter Cave to Your North Island Road Trip
Mōkau is an easy stop on the scenic drive between Waitomo and New Plymouth. That makes Butter Cave perfect for travellers on a New Zealand self drive tour or a campervan holiday. Before you set off, read our tips on driving in New Zealand.
Want a trip built around hidden gems like this one? Our team can design a tailor-made New Zealand tour that fits your dates and interests. Alternatively, browse our full range of North Island tours.
Butter Cave Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butter Cave on Google Maps?
Many map apps don’t label it. Instead, navigate to Tokopapa Street in Mōkau and take the stairs down to the beach.
Can you visit Butter Cave at high tide?
Not on foot. The beach access is only safe at low tide. At other times, only experienced kayakers or paddleboarders should attempt it, and only in calm conditions.
Is Butter Cave the same as Mokau Falls?
No. Mokau Falls is a different waterfall in Te Urewera, on the other side of the North Island. Butter Cave and its waterfall are on the King Country coast in Mōkau township.
How far is Butter Cave from New Plymouth?
Mōkau is about 90 km northeast of New Plymouth on State Highway 3.
Is Butters Cave the same place?
Yes. Some travel apps list it as Butters Cave, but locals call it Butter Cave.
