ABBEY CAVES
YOUNG MEN'S ADVENTURES WANDERING IN DARKNESS Situated on the farther side of I'arahaki and within easy tramping distance of Whangarei, lie the Abbey Oaves, the wonders of which are little realised. The inspection of these caves offers adventure in plentv to those prepared lor some disconilort and not a little danger, for the way underground is very broken and full of surprises. Two voting men. one well acquainted with the locality, and the other a recent arrival from Auckland, bad exciting experiences recently. '.I hey first entered tho main cave, which is nearest the main road. In it the glow-worms shed a sot. light from a -anopv high overhead, and find a reflection in the ice-cold stream which follows the path. The Aucklander, who has twice visited Waitomo, considers the glow-worm display in the A'bbev Caves the best he has ever seen. The big rave stretches for chains into the bill, and alter traversing it for n Considerable distance without seeing an indication of the. end, the party, which iit this point comprised four persons.. retraced their steps to the open. The entrance to the second principal rave is behind a large limestone outcrop from which the caves derive their name, mid il is extremely difficult of access. After travelling 100yds two of the expedition would not venture further, but their companions went on. The cave was very 'lamp and seemed In develop into three terraces, each a separate tunnel, with numerous grottos of pearl white limestone. The sides ami root were solid rock, and them was no insect life io lighten the darkness. Oiie man slipped in 0 irevilsSe and remained wedged, but with the assistance of his companion he Jreod himsell and plunged on. Al last, after nearly two hours' wandering, light was seen, and the pair, jubilant, found themselves in a broad passage leading to the onfranco of another cave, and Io the sunshine.
The party intend to return to the caves With proper equipment, including a bout, and to chart them thoroughly.
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17227, 5 April 1930, Page 17
Word Count
338ABBEY CAVES Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17227, 5 April 1930, Page 17
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