A tight squeeze (Southland) Traditional Cache
A tight squeeze (Southland)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Cache is a 55ml black plastic screw top container, containing a log book but no pen. There will be enough room to place a geocoin if you like. I recommend if you plan on taking a trip through the cave that you enter at the top entrance and exit here. Remember to wear your helmet. Bike helmets are fine and take SPARE battery's for your tourch.
Limestone caves are the most common type of cave
in New Zealand and the world. Limestones are rocks
containing high levels of calcium carbonate. The
limestone at Clifden formed in the early Miocene time (c.
22-18 million years ago) from the accumulation of shell
fragments, sand and pebbles in a shallow sea. This
sediment was buried and compressed beneath further
layers of sediment and later folded, uplifted and eroded
to form the present land surface.
Limestone caves form over a long period of time when
acidic groundwater seeps through cracks in the rock
and dissolves the calcium carbonate in the surrounding
limestone.This creates passageways and unusual formations such as stalactites and stalagmites that gradually
become larger and form cave systems.
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Stalactites are the spikes hanging from the roof of
a limestone cave, and stalagmites are the spires
projecting upwards from the floor of the cave. Both
form as a result of the precipitation of calcium carbonate
continually dripping water from the cave roof over
periods of hundreds
and thousands of
years.
The Clifden Caves
feature some spectacular formations
on the ceilings and
walls.
Glow Worms/Titiwai
) are a feature Arachnocampa luminosa Glow worms/titiwai (
of some cave systems. New Zealand glow worms are the
larvae of small flies called fungus gnats which undergo a
four stage life cycle: egg, larvae, pupae and adult fly. Only
the larvae can feed and produce light. This ‘glow’ is used
to attract prey which is caught in sticky silk threads that
hang from the glow worm nest. These silk fishing lines
are then hauled in and the captured insects devoured.
The glow worms grow up to 2.5cm before developing into
pupae and adult fly stages.
The Clifden Caves provide a natural habitat for the glow worm,
which requires a damp environment with little or no wind.
Further Information
For further information contact:
Department of Conservation
33 Don Street
PO Box 743
Invercargill 9840.
Tel (03) 211 2400, Fax (03) 214 4486
Email: Invercargill@doc.govt.nz
www.doc.govt.nz
Calcium formations in the cave. Photo: D Patterson (DOC)
Glow worm/titiwai threads. Photo: D Patterson (DOC)Introduction
The Clifden Caves are one
of only a few cave systems
in Southland. The caves are
located approximately one
kilometre north-east of the
Clifden – Blackmount corner
(State Highway 96) on
Clifden Gorge Road. The
cave entrance is signposted
from the Clifden Gorge
Road. Parking is available
adjacent to the caves
entrance.
Access to the caves is
though private property,
please respect the area.
The Cave System
There is a signpost opposite the car park indicating the
cave entrance. Access to the caves is over the stile.
It requires approximately 1½ – 2 hours to travel through
the entire cave system and return to the car park along
the road. It is advisable to enter this cave system at the
upper or lower entrances and travel south to the exit. This
will minimise the time spent with wet footwear and clothing
after passing through the pool section of the cave.
A high level of fitness and agility is required to navigate the
cave system. Some passages are narrow and will require
crawling on hands and knees.
Follow the orange triangular markers which indicate the
route through the cave system.
About one hour into the caves there is a small pool which
requires a short sidle along a narrow ledge situated around
the left hand side of the pool. This pool is cold and deep.
Passing along the ledge should be undertaken one person
at a time. The ledge is likely to be under water – be
prepared to get wet feet.
Following along from the pool, there is an intersection
– stay left in order to exit the cave system safely (the right
hand route should only be undertaken by experienced
cavers who have ropes and climbing equipment). After the
pool there are several fixed ladders to climb up and down.
These are only suitable for one person at a time.
Safety
WARNING – This cave system is subject to flash
flooding. Do not enter during or immediately after
heavy rain.
Take two torches per person and spare batteries. •
Both a head torch and a hand held torch are
recommended.
Always leave your trip intentions (return time, planned •
route, party numbers etc) with a reliable person.
Remember to check in on returning.
Wear sensible clothing and sturdy footwear as you are •
likely to get wet and muddy. The caves are often wet
and the air temperature will be colder than outside.
Wear clothes that are warm, even when wet, e.g.
suitable. not polypropylene or wool. Cotton clothing is
Beware of unstable rocks and low ceilings. Wearing •
a helmet is recommended.
There are unmarked corridors in the cave system. •
These are only suitable for experienced and well
equipped caving parties. Ropes and climbing
equipment are required.
Take care when travelling through the caves as the •
flooring of the caves are rough underfoot with loose
rocks and stones. Surfaces are often slippery.
The caves are suitable for fit and agile adults and •
children aged 12 and older.
Looking After the Cave Environment
Leave the land undisturbed – toitu to whenua. Please
minimise your impact by leaving as little trace of your
visit as possible.
Carry it in, carry it out. Take all your rubbish with you. •
Refrain from touching cave formations as they have •
taken millions of years to form and are very fragile.
Keep party sizes small. At least two people is •
recommended for safety reasons but no more than
six for minimum environmental impact.
Enjoy your underground
experience, but cave softly
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
10 zrgre pyvzo nobir rkvg.