GREAT GLOW-WORM CAVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 12

GREAT GLOW-WORM CAVE

DISCOVERY NEAR TE KUITI.

MANY OTHER ATTRACTIONS.

| STALACTITES AND FALLS.

Subterranean arid opeu scenic wonders have been discovered in beautiful bush country near Te Kuiti. These comprise a spacious cave, fairy and giant falls, a canyon between great, limestone cliffs, and a glow-worm cavern of magnificent proportions, with a crystal river running through it. The successful explorers are the president, Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, and several members of the New Zealand Tourist League, Auckland branch. It is claimed the new cave in some of its marvels rivals, and possibly excels, the Waitomo Caves. For some time past settlers have been confident that such a cave existed, and their confidence has been justified beyond the most optimistic anticipation. The new rave is about 150 ft. long, and contains some very fine stalactites and alabaster wall formations. There is need, however, for further exploration and tapping to ascertain what the adjoining chambers really are. A fairy fall drops 100 ft into a limestone cylinder with a V-shaped break on one side. This cylinder is very pretty and at night there are glow-worms about it. Another fine attraction is a 60ft. fall. The supreme discovery is a new glowworm cavern of majestic proportions. There are almost as many glow-worms in this cavern as there are in the hitherto incomparable grotto in the Waitomo Caves. The entrance to the cJive is like a large cathedral door, and the inside of the cavern is at least UiOft. high, and possibly from 150 to 300 ft. in length. A small river runs right through it, and ior exploratory purposes ii light collapsible boat is essential. All these discoveries are within the radius of, a mile, in the midst of beautiful bush and limestone bluffs. Near the middle of the locality there is a magnificent site for a hostel, while the surrounding area lends itself to development of a golf course, tennis courts, and bowling greens. There is a charming trout stream running through the propertv, which comprises about 2000 acres, freehold. It is considered an attractive resort could easily be established. Near the glow-worm cavern there is a canvon or gorge, three-quarters of a-mile long, running between magnificent limestone cliffs, ranging from 50 to 200 ft. in height. The site of the discoveries is near Te Kuiti; x\rt effort is being made to obtain a. light collapsible boat for further exploration. The discoverers intend to explore the cave and cavern during the week-end. This is an expedition which represents a remarkable start for the Tourist League.