Highest Caves In N.Z. Above Te Anau

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 13

Highest Caves In N.Z. Above Te Anau

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, May 14.

The discovery of the highest caves yet found in New Zealand, including some big caverns with stalactite formations, was confirmed today by Mr Wilson Campbell, of Fiordland Travel, Ltd. The caves are about 4000 ft up in the Mount Luxmore area of thb Kepler range, directly across Lake Te Anau from the tourist hotel and township. The present Te Anau glowworm caves are further north along the lake shore at the foot of the Murchison range in the notornis area. The entrance to the Luxmore caves was found in 1958 by Mr W. Campbell, a co-dis-coverer of the glow-worm caves, and his son, Barry. They were thoroughly explored for the first time earlier this year by Barry Campbell and Mr D. Giezeg. of Invercargill. Magnificen* stalactite and stalagmite formations were found and the pair led further exploration parties. Recently the caves were surveyed by a party of speleologists, who will shortly report to the Speleological Society and the Fiordland National Park Board. The largest cavern in the group is about two-thirds of a mile long. A feature is a long milky-white, limestone tunnel which has been named the "Milky Way.” Mr Campbell said yesterday the tourist potential of the new’ caves was now “almost

nil” because of their height up the mountain. However, the mountain is used for skating and ski-ing in winter and is equipped with a small ski tow. If about five miles of road was made up to the site it was distinctly possible that the attractions could be combined. Since Christmas there had been 18,000 tourists taken on the launch trip to the Te Anau glow-worm caves, said Mr Campbell. In the same period 3500 people had made the jet boat trip up the swift Waiau river. 2200 people had been to the fiords of Lake Te Anau. and 3000 to the start of the Milford Track at Glade House. Two new jet boats will arrive at the lake later this year and it is also hoped tc get a new 100-passenger launch built.