On the limestone outcrop called Forest Hill is the Weta Cave. Named
after wetas that are found in the cave, there was once moa bones
found inside. Moas have been extinct since the 1600s.
Due to human destruction the cave is now off limits to
spelunking. However there is a bench just outside the entrance and
people are encourage to sit and look inside.
THE OUTSIDE SHAPES THE INSIDE
Sit here to explore the limestone cave — but please don't go
in
It took millions of years to form this fragile cave. It takes
only one second to accidentally damage it forever. Narrow and only
one metre high, the cave is 30 metres long.
Limestone contains crushed bodies
Millions of years ago this spot was at the bottom of the sea.
Sea animals died and fell to the sea floor and packed down to
become limestone.
Notice the stalactites hanging from the cave's ceiling.
Rainwater trickled through the limestone, dissolving chemicals and
leaving a hardened pointy trail. Unfortunately these stalactites
have been smoothed by curious human hands.
Cave weta forage in the forest
Covering the cave's walls are weta that need its cold, damp
darkness. Each night they leave the cave to hunt for anything they
can find. The healthier the forest, the more likely the weta are to
find food.
The creek brings life into the cave.
The creek is a water source for cave weta. It also supplies tiny
pockets of fresh air. Even food is carried in — insects that fall
from the fern bank above.