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Welcome to the Nelson Speleological Group (NSG). We are a caving club situated in Nelson, New Zealand that has around 90 active members.

We are blessed with arguably the most exciting and challenging caves in the country, including some that are of worldwide significance. Come join us and be part of some of the last true exploration of our country.

As well as adventure and exploration, we also value the conservation and protection of our caves. They were formed millions of years ago and most have never seen human footsteps, so it is vital that we treat them with respect and care so that future generations can also enjoy and learn from them. For more on conservation, cave ethics, and their cultural significance, visit the New Zealand Speleological website at caves.org.nz.

(almost) All photos on this website have been provided courtesy of www.neilsilverwood.com.

Join

We welcome new members

Become a member to:

  • Meet other cavers
  • Join club trips
  • Be trained in caving and search and rescue
  • Access publications
  • Use the hut and rent gear (once we know you well)

Nelson’s caves are world class. This means they tend to be quite technically challenging (requiring rope work), but there is also huge potential to discover new caves systems. There are also plenty of easier caves for those not looking for an adrenalin fix.

Come and say hello

The club meets on the third Thursday of every month at a member’s house. You’re welcome to join – check the Trip List and the Facebook page to find out where.

Ask to become a member

Before filling in the membership form, please come to a club meeting or on a club trip and ask to become a member.

Once you’ve been approved, fill in the online membership form here:  http://goo.gl/forms/jvRyZuHtLU

And pay your fees as instructed in the form:

  • Adult member fees are $60/year, which includes NZSS membership of $35.
  • Account name: NSG, Account no: 03 0703 0452222 000
  • Reference: [Your name] , Particulars: Member fees

For international payments, the SWIFT code is WPACNZ2W. The ‘recipient’s’ address is Rose Hatfull, 221 Champion Rd Richmond, Nelson, 7020.

Visitors

Experienced cavers with their own gear can ask to join club trips

We love having experienced cavers visit and enjoy our caves. But be warned that we are a small club and it’s difficult for us to accommodate all of the visiting cavers (we get many).

As a general rule, cavers visiting for a short time must bring all their own gear. Almost all of our caves involve ropework, so this also means your own SRT gear.

Please check the trip list and contact the trip organiser directly. Most trips and expeditions happen over the summer.

We do not offer guided trips for tourists

There are currently no commercial operators in the region. Click here for information on commercial caving trips in the North Island.

If you’re going to be in the region for a while (at least a month), introduce yourself at club meetings

The best way to get involved and join a trip is to come along to a monthly meeting and introduce yourself in person. They’re the third Thursday of every month, details are on the trip list.

If you’re here for more than a few weeks we usually expect you to join the club. You can do so here: http://goo.gl/forms/jvRyZuHtLU. People are much more likely to let you join a trip if you’re a member. Members can hire gear, use the hut, and have access to the members-only Facebook group.

No, we don’t take visitors down Harwood’s Hole

We get a lot of people asking to be taken down Harwood’s Hole. If we took everyone down who asked we’d be doing it full time! It’s a serious caving trip. Come along on some other club trips and try sweet talking a club member into taking you or giving you more info.

If you’re experienced cavers who want to do the trip independently, get in touch and we can provide you with some information.

As a general rule we don’t give out cave maps and locations to non-members

We only supply maps for cavers with definite plans and who are members of their own country’s national caving body. The maps cannot be distributed further or published. For conservation and safety reasons we don’t hand out cave maps to the general public.

Members

Member emails

Let us know at nelsonspeleogroup@gmail.com if you’re not getting club emails

Members only Facebook group

Join our NSG Facebook group

Online trip list

Trip List. Club members can add their own trips directly.

Member files and info

Access the NSG file repository for past newsletters, contact info, e-library, etc. (password protected, for members only)

Access the NZSS file repository for the Cave Atlas, Bulletins, etc. (password protected, for members only)

NSG file repository

Library

NSG maintains a library that members can borrow from free of charge. View the catalogue.

Access/camp fees

NSG administers the Nettlebed Fund

News

Please visit our public Facebook page for news on the latest happenings at NSG.

If you are already a NZSS or NSG member, request to join our Facebook group.