Wiri Lava Cave
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wiri Lava Cave | |
|---|---|
 Cave survey.[1][2][3]
1: Entrance. 2: Blocked source conduit. 3: Narrow side passage. 4: Low section of the cave. 5: Narrow vertical tube reaching to the surface. | |
| Location | Matukutūruru, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 37°00′23″S 174°51′33″E / 37.006378°S 174.8591°E |
| Depth | 4m |
| Length | 290m |
| Geology | Lava tube, Scoria, Basalt |
| Entrances | 2 |
| Access | By permit only |
| Features | Smooth, gas-flazed rock surfaces, lava stalactites, circular tube gas vents, "festoon" ridging on the floors, vertical shafts formed by hot gas, and contraction gaps at the base of walls |
Wiri lava cave is Auckland's longest known lava cave at around 290 metres.[4][5] It is part of Matukutūruru (Wiri Mountain) volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. Because it features rare lava stalactites, the cave has garnered international renown, and access is restricted, with entry requiring a permit.
The cave is up to 7.6 by 3.6 m (25 by 12 ft), down to 1.1 by 0.2 m (3 ft 7.3 in by 7.9 in), and is located about 4 m (13 ft) below Wiri Station Rd.[6]
The entrance is secured by a locked trapdoor.
Looking down into the entrance.
