Story: King Country region

Limestone country: stalactites (2nd of 2)

Limestone country: stalactites

The Waitomo district is filled with underground limestone caves containing formations such as the stalactites in this photograph. Stalactites are created when water containing calcite (calcium carbonate) drips from the ceiling. Over time the calcite builds up to form stalactites. In this cave the water has dripped in many places, creating a field of beautiful formations.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN32722/19
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'King Country region - Landscape and climate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/34828/limestone-country-stalactites (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, updated 1 Mar 2015