Commentary Cave – Upper Takaka

Sunday 20 March 2022

At 7.45am five of us met at Richmond Jubilee Park carpark. Unfortunately Esther our leader was unable to attend on the day. Another was picked up on our way over to Upper Takaka for our 9am rendezvous with our caving guides. Also joining us were two Nelson Tramping Club members, and a dad and his three children keen to try caving.

After a short drive we arrived at the parking area and the start of our caving adventure. Once dressed in our caving outfit and after a safety and protocol brief, we split into two groups ready for a 15 minute walk to the cave entry.

The temperature in the cave was surprisingly mild and the water level luckily quite low. In places moving through the cave was relatively easy but in other places it was necessary to crawl, climb or drop through narrow slippery passages which for me heightened the experience.

Cameras were kept busy trying to capture the many and varied wonderful cave formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, shawls, elephant feet, popcorn, flowstone and columns, plus glow worms.

Two and a half hours after entering the cave we scrambled out into fresh air.

I think it is fair to say everyone was challenged by the experience in some way, either mentally or physically but I’m sure our caving trip was enjoyed by all.

A big thanks to our fantastic guides, Martin, Greg and Chris. They were professional and informative and helped us feel safe in a somewhat challenging and unfamiliar environment.     

Trampers attending; Eric (scribe), Di, Marian, Joy, Liz, Christine L and NTC visitors Andrea and Chris.