Are there any do's and don'ts in the cave?
Most definitely. The cave environment is very delicate. Smoking in the caves and the touching of formations is most strictly prohibited. If a formation is touched, even the small amount of natural grease in your fingers will quickly discolour it. It is most important to keep with your guide as they know where they are going, and you may not! It is not fun being lost in a cave. It must be added that there are severe penalties for people who even attempt to vandalise or disfigure any cave, or disobey the rules of cave visiting.
Is it cold in the Caves?
The temperature in the Wellington caves averages between 16-18 degrees celcius all year round, although the Cathedral's Thunder Chamber can rise to a humid 21 degrees celcius.
How are the Caves lit?
The Wellington Caves are lit with normal 240 volt power. It is useful to remember that in their natural state, caves exist in total darkness. Guides on most cave tours will turn off the lights, just for a moment, so you can experience a normal cave environment.
How many steps are there in the Caves?
The Cathedral Cave has 149 steps in and out (298 in total) and the Gaden Cave has 122 steps (244 in total). The Phosphate Mine has no steps and is wheelchair friendly.
What happens if the power fails?
On very rare occasions, blackouts may occur in the cave. However, every guide carries a powerful torch, and will easily lead their tour out of the cave if this problem arises.
Will the roof fall in?
In all caves, the ceiling is either flat or arched, and these shapes are stable positions for limestone rocks. In the long process of cave formation, passages are dissolved out the rock and as they expand, sections of unsupported roof will collapse forming cavers. However, over time, the roof stabilizes. In any case, Government inspections of the caves ensure ongoing safety.
Can I use my camera in the Caves?
Photograpohy is permitted in the caves. The best results are often gained from flash photography, although time delay shots can prove effective. Guides have no objection to the use of video cameras in the cave, provided the tour is not disturbed. However, be warned that the high cave humidity can cause damage to some video cameras. The only restriction to cave photography is that cameras must be hand held as stand photography tends to delay the tour.
Will I get claustrophobia in the Caves?
This is most unlikely. Some of the visitors wonder how the relatively confined nature of the caves will affect them. Most visitors discover that they are not worried in the slightest. The air in the caves is just as fresh as outside. All caves have a gentle movement of air circulating from all their entrances. This is called cave breathing.
Will we get lost?
No, you won't. All the Caves have as much lighting in them as an office and you will certainly not experience any difficulty in finding your way through. Most caves are not mazelike, and the caves on show do not have extensive tunnels heading off in all directions. Even with only a torch, most people could find their way back to the entrance. In any case, an experienced guide accompanies every tour group. Your guide can be relied upon to know which way they are going.