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Touring New Zealand’s Glowworm CavesThe Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored in 1887 by local Maori Chief Tane Tinorau he was accompanied by English surveyor Fred Mace. The local Maori were aware of the caves existence but the caverns had never been extensively explored until Fred and Tane investigated them. They built a raft of flax stems and carried candles as their only lighting; they floated into the cave where the stream goes underground. There first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its perfusion of tiny bright lights covering the cave ceiling. Looking up they discovered that the ceilings were covered with the lights of thousands of glowworms. They were able to leave the raft by poling their way to the embankment and then were able to explore the lower levels of cave. Here they discovered the wonderful cave decorations. They returned many times to explore further; on one trip Chief Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. Only after many visits did they discover the entry point on land. By 1889 Chief Tane had opened the cave to tourists and he and his wife Huti led groups through the cave for a small fee. In 1906 the administration of the cave was taken over bv the government. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling to remote destinations. She enjoys traveling with Big Five Tours, providers of luxury New Zealand Tours. Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Outdoors Articles Via RSS!
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