Clifden Limestone Caves facts for kids
The Clifden Limestone Cave System is a cool natural wonder in the western Southland Region of New Zealand. It's located on private land, very close to a small village called Clifden. This cave system is a popular spot for people who love exploring underground.
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What is the Clifden Cave System?
The Clifden Cave System is a type of cave called a solutional cave. This means it was formed over a very long time by water dissolving rock. The rock here is limestone, which is a soft rock that water can easily wear away.
How were the Clifden Caves formed?
The limestone in these caves was created during the Miocene epoch, which was about 23 to 5.3 million years ago! Back then, this area was covered by a shallow sea, part of a larger ancient continent called Zealandia. Tiny pieces of shells, sand, and pebbles collected at the bottom of this sea. Over millions of years, these layers pressed together and turned into the limestone rock we see today. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, then slowly seeped through cracks in the limestone. This water dissolved the rock, creating the tunnels and chambers of the Clifden Caves.
Who lives in the Clifden Caves?
The Clifden Cave System is a perfect home for glow worms, also known as titiwai (Arachnocampa luminosa). These amazing creatures love damp places with no wind, which is exactly what the caves offer. Glow worms create a sticky, glowing line to catch tiny insects, making the cave ceilings sparkle like a starry night!
Exploring the Clifden Caves
The main part of the Clifden Cave System stretches for about 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet). There's a special route marked out for visitors who want to try caving. This route has fixed ladders to help you get through.
Safety when caving
If you want to explore the caves, it's super important to be prepared and safe! You need to be "properly equipped" with things like a helmet, headlamp, and sturdy shoes. It's also best to go with "experienced cavers" or a guide who knows the cave well. Some parts of the cave are only for very experienced explorers because they can be tricky and dangerous. Always put safety first when exploring caves!
