COVENANT PHOTO FEATURE

The envelope Open Space is delivered in gives us the opportunity to highlight one of your special protected places.

The photo on our current envelope gives us an inside view of an underground cave in the Waitomo District - Te Ana o te Atua - The Cave of the Spirit. This cave is protected by a QEII covenant and is a fascinating insight into an ancient world.

The tomo or sinkhole openings at the top of the cave have trapped and hidden away bones of animals that once roamed around Waitomo, such as moa. Along with the bones are impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and the remains of a long-abandoned riverbed, the former passage of the Mangawhitikau Stream. Glow worms can be found along the pathway with subtle lighting powered by solar energy to help visitors find their way.

Te Ana o te Atua - The Cave of the Spirit, can be visited as part of the Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tours. More information can be found on their website glowworm.co.nz

If you have a photo of your covenant that you would like to feature on a future envelope for Open Space, please send a copy of the photo with a short description to editor@qeii.org.nz.