The tree which the cave was named after ( photo from Eden Gardens, Auckland, New Zealand)

With my heart in my mouth, I entered the Nikau Cave. This amazing limestone cave is situated in Waikaretu a farming area of sheep and cattle, out towards Post Waikato. Nine of us, from Auckland, Paeroa and Hamilton had chosen to complete this adventure together. While still at the Nikau café, situated about one kilometre from the cave, helmets and torches were handed out to the group by the owner of the café who was also our guide.  Both of these proved to be invaluable. In places the ceiling of the cave was low and because you were focused on where to put your feet on the slippery rocks you sometimes missed seeing the little hard, jutting piece of rock, just at head height. They gave you a nasty shock when your head connected with them. The torch was also imperative. Sloping down many metres underground, the cave was in complete darkness. The walk would not have been possible without these little water proof treasures.

Initially we clambered over uneven slippery rocks until we reached the stream where we spent quite a bit of walking time Only ankle deep in most parts, this stream was by far more enjoyable to me than the unforgiving rocks, although not all the group agreed with me. In most places the stream  was clear so you could see where your feet needed to be placed meaning you could relax a little and  take some time to enjoy the beauty of the spectacular rock formations.

The glow worms on the ceiling of sections of the cave were beautiful. Torches had to be covered so it was pitch black and the glow worms lit the ceiling up – just like fairy land. The filaments of thread, hanging from the ceiling, which were connected to the glow-worms,  caught unsuspecting bugs flying by. These gossamer like filaments, looked like fine threads of silk cotton fibres sparkling in the glow of their owner’s lights.

A wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites were formed close to the walls looking like” giant pillars, fine straws and flowing shawls” (website) on the sides of the cave. Just breath taking to look at and mind blowing to think how old they could be.

While I found the uneven rocks challenging, others found other sections to “ Face their Fears”. One section at the end of a long uneven rock walk, was a slit in the rock about two metres in depth. Lying on your back, you had to slither through this dark gap, finding footholds as you went, hoping that the guide, who had only done 4000 trips, actually knew where he was taking us. You then had to wriggle around in quite a small space, get down on your knees then lower your body to slither for quite a distance up the stream. (This, funnily enough, I found enjoyable)

• 

Once the first part of the section was over, people said it was easy from there BUT I have often found what others think is easy and what I think is easy are two completely different things. However, concentrating on how lucky I was to be experiencing this amazing adventure, in such a beautiful, majestic environment, which I probably will never see again, with close family and friends, seemed to lessen the challenge of the rocks. As I frequently find, we have such a beautiful country and special treasures, such as this, are found where you least expect to find them, so enjoying the moment is crucial.

I must admit I wasn’t disappointed when day light appeared at the “End of the Tunnel” I had found the experience, scary but exciting. It had been challenging for me but so very glad I did it. While some will find it a complete walk in the park, I would certainly recommend to anyone, who likes to be pushed out of their comfort zone, to take up the challenge

To fill in the gaps: nikaucave.co.nz