Many years ago, I had the opportunity to dive into the Riwaka Resurgence, which is where the Riwaka River emerges from the rockface. It is a unique dive underground, in confined spaces. The resurgence is highly significant to the local Iwi being the birth place of a river.

The dive started as I entered the river, diving down to swim about 30M through a tunnel turning to the left. Popping up into a pool in pitch darkness, lit only by divers’ torches, I took off my fins and climbed up beside a waterfall to walk over a beach then enter another tunnel.

After a swim of about 50M I surfaced and come to a ledge where I took off my gear and climbed up into the main cathedral underground with high ceilings, stalactites and mineral deposits. This was a magic place that few have visited. The water was freezing having been underground for apparently 1000 years and was about 8 degrees as it filters down through the rocks. It was very clean but oh so cold.

This was a once in a lifetime dive that requires an experienced leader, guide ropes and where claustrophobia is not an option. Fortunately, there was a photographer in our group who took some photos. An unforgettable experience.

The entrance or the Birthing Pool

Diver in the mist of the caves