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~ Waitomo Caves ~
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
As we are preparing to move, we thought we would do a bit of sightseeing in the area before as it will be quite far afterward. So for the 1st time we went to see the beautiful Waitomo Glowworm Caves. On their website they explain it very well: ;)
WAITOMO is a Maori word made up of two parts. 'Wai' which translates as water and 'tomo' which means entrance or hole. Waitomo can be translated as the 'stream which flows into the hole in the ground'. This meaning is reflected through its fantastic geological history and landscape, however it also has a rich tourism and cultural history . As a region it is one of New Zealand's original tourist destinations
History of the glow worm caves:
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored in 1887 by local Maori Chief Tane Tinorau accompanied by an English surveyor Fred Mace. Local Maori people knew of the Caves existence, but the subterranean caverns had never been extensively explored until Fred and Tane went to investigate. They built a raft of flax stems and with candles as their only lighting, floated into the cave where the stream goes underground.
As they entered the caves, their first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad of tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they saw a multitude of lights reflecting off the water. Looking up, they discovered that the ceilings were dotted with the lights of thousands of glowworms. Debris and logs littered the waterway, but by poling themselves toward the embankment they were able to leave the raft and explore the lower levels of the cave. Here they found themselves surrounded by the glorious cave decorations.
Jubilant at their discovery, they returned many times to explore further, and on an independent trip Chief Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. Only after many subsequent visits did they discover an entry point on land. This is the same entry point used today by thousands of visitors annually. By 1889 Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists. Visitor numbers soared and Chief Tane and his wife Huti escorted groups through the cave for a small fee. In 1906 the administration of the cave was taken over by the government.
The Caves Today - 100 years later
In 1989, almost 100 years later, the land and the cave was returned to the descendants of the original owners. Many staff employed at the caves today are direct descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti.
~~~~~ Pictures were not allowed inside the caves, which, even if i understand very well of course, was abit of ashame as it was stunning. but as we left the caves by boat (and saw all the glowworm) we were then allowed to photograph. So this might be the most commun picture of the caves, as its the only one alloed! Still pretty though! ~~~
Thanks for looking. |
Matylda76, Tenfold has marked this note useful
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Hi,
beautiful green:)
best regards Karolina
Hi Lu
Nice poisonous colours and gloomy atmosphere. I love the dark pit in the background. It gives an uneasy, unexpecting feeling. How big are those glowworms...? ;-)
Very nice note! see you
Joris
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