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.