WAIPU LIMESTONE CAVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20519, 21 March 1930, Page 12

WAIPU LIMESTONE CAVES.

RECENT INSPECTION .MADE

SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT.

The stalactite formations in the Waipu limestone caves, about 5£ miles off the main East Coast highway, were inspected by Mr. J. R. Self and the touring manager of the Auckland Automobile. Association, Mr. R. Chaniptaloup, who are at present on tour in the north. Access to the caves is somewhat difficult, the approach road being in indifferent condition and not mai'ked by signposts.

The approach to the cave is flanked by tree ferns growing against a towering mass of rock. Once inside the entrance the stalactite formation presents an attractive picture, the limestone formations extending back into the depths of the caves, whifch are still in their natural state. Candles are used to guide the visitor, who is able to proceed on a circuit of about 12 chains. The tour can be made dry-footed, although it involves scrambling over piles of rocks. While they are. not so numerous as at Waitomo, there are myriads of glow-worms in the caves. Another very interesting feature of the caverns is the presence of the glow-worm moth, which it is stated has not been found elsewhere in New Zealand. The visitors describe the caves as very beautiful and capable of development. In their opinion they will in time become one of the noted sights of the North and in some respects rival the attractions of Waitomo.