Clifden Limestone Caves
{{short description|Cave system in the south of New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}
{{coord|46|1|6|S|167|44|27|E|type:landmark_region:NZ|display=title}}
{{Location map
|New Zealand
|label=Clifden Caves
|lat_dir=S | lat_deg=46 | lat_min=1 | lat_sec=6
|lon_dir=E | lon_deg=167 | lon_min=44 | lon_sec=27
|position=right
|width= 310
|float=right
|caption=Location of Clifden Cave System on the South Island of New Zealand.
}}
The Clifden Limestone Cave System is in the Western Southland Region of New Zealand, on private land close to the hamlet of Clifden.[http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM7BRV_Clifden_Caves_Clifden_New_Zealand WayMarking - Clifden Caves]
Geology
The cave is formed in Miocene limestone created from the accumulation of shell fragments, sand and pebbles in the Epeiric Zealandia sea. It is a solutional cave.
Ecology
Glow worms or titiwai (Arachnocampa luminosa) find a natural habitat in the Clifden Cave System because of its damp environment with little or no wind.[http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/southland/clifden-caves-brochure.pdf Clifden Cave Brochure.]