Story: Limestone country

The Gathering (3rd of 3)

The Gathering

Dolines (or sinkholes) are funnel-shaped surface depressions. These large dolines on Tākaka Hill in north-west Nelson are being used for an outdoor dance party known as The Gathering, on New Year’s Eve 1998/99. Dolines form when water sits in a hollow for a prolonged period. The water slowly dissolves the rock beneath, making the depression deeper. Dolines can be the first step in the formation of caves. There are large areas of dolines on the Canaan Downs on Tākaka Hill, and in the King Country around Waitomo.

Using this item

The Gathering
Photograph by Bernard Smith

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Paul Williams, 'Limestone country - Karst', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12385/the-gathering (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Paul Williams, published 24 Sep 2007