RIVALS TO WAITOMO

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4860, 18 June 1936, Page 5

RIVALS TO WAITOMO

CAVES IN THE SOUTH ISLAND.

AS YET LITTLE KNOWN.

Under the heading, “Caves to Rival Waitomo,” the Sporting and Dramatic Review praises the Brighton Caves, on the West Coast of the South Island.

Visitors to the caves, which as yet are comparatively unknown, acclaim them as being equally beautiful as their world-famous counterpart at Waitomo, it is stated. They extend for over a mile and in places are 20 to 25 feet high. Under proper control, fully publicised and developed, they are likely to prove as great an attraction as those of the North Island, though it is doubtful if they can supersede in beauty and interest the glow-worm grotto at Waitomo—which is unique in certain respects. The Cheddar Cliff Caves of England, the Mammoth Caves of Kentucky, and the Jenolan Caves of New South Wales all have their beautiful formations, but only Waitomo has a glow-worm grotto. The little insects which are responsible for the grand spectacle—a veritable glimpse into fairyland—are 100 per cent. New Zealand, being peculiar to the Dominion and more strictly speaking to the caves.

However, the Brighton Caves will ultimately take a not unprofitable part in placing New Zealand more and more to the forefront as one of the world's greatest tourist countries.