Karamu Cave

Karamu Cave is a stream cave of over 2 miles (3.2 km),^[1] with several large chambers, near Karamu in the North Island of New Zealand,^[2] which Waikato Regional Council has classed as regionally significant.^[3] It was discovered about 1925, after blasting at the nearby limeworks.^[4] The name "Karamu" comes from the Māori word for the karamū tree. Bones of moas were found in the cave in 1927^[5] and of the snipe-rail (Capellirallus karamu)^[6] in 1954.^[6]

Karamu Cave
The wedding cake, Karamu Cave
Coordinates	37.89571°S 175.07270°E / -37.89571; 175.07270
Discovery	1925
Geology	Limestone

The cave is in 30 million year old Elgood Limestone,^[7] with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, crystals and fossils. Glowworms (Māori: Titiwai) live in the caves, as humidity is high, which suits the silk threads which capture their prey.^[8][9][10] In 1946 there was mention of a Te Pahu Colliery near the caves.^[11]