The Nahuku Lava Tunnel, formerly known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is an extraordinary chance to see the remnants of volcanic activity beneath the earth's surface. Nahuku is one of the most accessible lava tunnels in the world, and if you visit Volcanoes National Park, it's not to be missed.

Lava tunnels are formed by the flow of hot magma through the bowels of a volcano as it makes its way through the rocks beneath the earth's surface.

The hot lava flow creates solid walls and ceilings, and these lava tunnels remain in place for thousands of years after the last of the liquid molten lava has drained away. They can be tens of metres or even tens of kilometres long.

Hiking through the tunnel

The Nahuku Lava Tube is open to the public and is illuminated and equipped with information boards for about 200 metres. The surface is solid rock and walking through the tunnel is easy.

The height of the tunnel is around 6 metres along its accessible length. After about 200 metres the illuminated section ends and with a torch you can continue another 50 metres into the dark interior of the volcano.

The area around the lava tunnel is surrounded by dense rainforest, through which a short access path leads from the road.