Wiri Lava Cave
| Wiri Lava Cave | |
|---|---|
Map of the cave. | |
| 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.[1][2] 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.[3]
See also
References
- ^ "Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority Agenda Hui" (PDF). Auckland Council. 16 October 2017.
- ^ "Auckland Council" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
- ^ "Report on the protection of the Wiri lava cave" (PDF). Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 October 2020.
