Recent experience in cave development at Waitomo
Abstract
Resource ownership. Te Ana O Te Atua, the Cave of the Spirit, or Mason's Dry Cave (near Waitomo Caves, New Zealand), has been developed to a show cave by enthusiastic operators Pete and Libby Chandler, creating a unique relationship between tourism operator, farmers turned resource owner and limestone quarry owners. Although still in a settling in phase at present, the current wave of demand for nature tourism means opportunities for all parties, including the resource and the visitors.
Resource Development - recent experience with cave engineering materials. Within budget and time constraints, concrete, recycled plastic and stainless steel were used as much as possible for the recent development of The Cave of the Spirit. Particular attention was paid to creating aesthetics that complemented the cave passages for part of a guided cave tour.