Weta Cave — Forest Hill Scenic Reserve, New Zealand
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Dunbar Loop
S 46° 12.241 E 168° 25.980
59G E 301965 N 4880081
This small cave — 30 metres deep, 1 metre high — has a seasonal stream that runs its length. Due to human activity, it has now been closed for people to travel through to help preserve the features inside it.
Waymark Code: WM7M4M
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/07/2009
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member Mark1962
Views: 2

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 sign at this point reads:

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.

Due to heavy tree folliage above the location of the cave entrance the coordinates are for the junction to the cave off the main trail.

Type of Land: Local Park

Managed By: Department of Conservation

Contact Info: (03) 211 2400

Website: [Web Link]

Type of Cave: Karst Cave

Contains Stalactites: yes

Contains Stalagmites: no

Contains Bats: no

Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)

Visit Instructions:
Please include a digital photograph of the cave which documents your visit and any information that may be helpful for future visitors.
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