WAITOMO CAVES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 89, 13 March 1935, Page 8

WAITOMO CAVES

SUNDAY’S EXCURSION. Visits to the Waitomo Caves, which are being encouraged by the Railway Department, are-fraught with considerable interest and the popularity of the trips is proved by the large number that readily took advantage of the excursion last week end. Arriving at Hangatiki (a Maori word, meaning ha.nga “to make”; tiki “an image”) the visitors proceeded in cars and motor buses to the caves, a distance of five miles from the station. All the caves are electrically lighted. The first one visited is two miles in length and at the entrance the absence of the stalactite and stalagmite formations was noted. This the guide explained was due to a current of air circulating through the cave. There is also an underground waterfall which could lie heard quite distinctly, and although of small proportions it was explained that the echo made it appear as if it were immense in size. This fall was 250 feet in length, emptying itself into an underground stream which the visitors reached after journeying amongst grottoes of yellow sandstone. Not until they were in the low level of this cave were the stalactite formations noticeable, but though few in number they were a marvellous sight, their formation being interesting and instructive. Tlio approach to the next cave was through beautiful native bush in which fantails and other birds were noticed. A long narrow staircase led to a huge grotto, the sides of which rose straight from the- floor. In this enclosure concerts have been broadcast, no sound producing an echo, due to the peculiar construction of the cave. To prove this to be correct a young lady excursionist rendered the song “Trees,” but no echo was noticeable. In several places in the caves searchlight lamps have been placed in order to help the guide explain the many wonders which abound there. Here the stalactite and stalagmite formations resemble persons who are either living or deceased. The “bridal cake” has a realistic appearance, while the bride’s jewels constitute a very pretty sight. The head of Mr Bernard G. Shaw was quite lifelike. The Egyptian Bazaar looked so real that exclamations of delight and amazement came from all present. No detail seemed to be missed. The return journey to the hostel was then made and in the afternoon the most wonderful cave of all was visited —the “Glow-worm.” Here the excursionists walked through the various chambers, the interior being beautiful beyond description. These chambers range from cathedral-like caves down to miniature grottoes, the stalactites and stalagmites possessing many peculiar shapes and fantastic forms. A stairway led down to a huge undeiground stream, and it was here on the side of the ledge overhanging the stream that the first glimpse ot tlie glow-worms was obtained. These unique creatures, which have the appearance of small whitebait, each trail a number of sticky threads, which are let down in order to obtain moths, flies, etc., on which they feed, the insects beino attracted by the bright light m the glow-worm’s tail. Alter viewing this never-to-lic-forgotten flight tli>3 excursionists proceeded to a boat, which was worked down the stream in total darkness, the cave ceiling being brilliantly lighted by millions ot glowworms. No pen could adequately describe tlie wonder of sucli a sight as this, and the visitors quite regretted having to leave this fairyland when they departed for their homes later in the day.