Clifden Limestone Caves
Coordinates: 46°1′6″S 167°44′27″E / 46.01833°S 167.74083°E
The Clifden Limestone Cave System is located in the Western Southland Region of New Zealand close to the hamlet of Clifden on private land.[1]
Geology
The cave is formed in Miocene (c. 22–18 million years ago) limestone created from the accumulation of shell fragments, sand and pebbles in the Epeiric Zealandia sea, and is a solutional cave.
Ecology
Glow worms or titiwai (Arachnocampa luminosa) find a natural habitat in the Clifden Cave System because of the damp environment with little or no wind.[2]
Recreation
The cave system runs about 300 metres (980 ft) long and a marked through route with fixed ladders is available for properly equipped people who wish to experience caving, and other passages are accessible for experienced cavers.[2]