Nettlebed Cave: The Pool of Crystals (Photos)

The Pool of Crystals in Nettlebed Cave, located in New Zealand, is a stunning natural wonder. Among its many stunning features, the Pool of Crystals stands out. This pool is found hundreds of meters below the ground, far beyond where natural light has ever penetrated. It is filled with clear water and a complete bed of crystal point clusters, making it a mesmerizing sight for visitors. The cave's crystals are calcite crystals, formed over millions of years through a process of calcium carbonate dissolving in water and then recrystallizing. This unique geological feature adds to the cave's allure and makes it a popular destination for cavers and geology enthusiasts.

The crystals in Nettlebed Cave are thought to have formed millions of years ago, when the cave was first formed. The water that flowed through the cave dissolved the calcium carbonate in the rocks, and then the water evaporated, leaving behind the crystals.

The crystals in the pool are a beautiful sight to behold. They are clear and colorless, and they sparkle in the light. The pool is also home to a variety of other cave formations, including stalactites and stalagmites.

Crystal formations in a pool, Photo credit: WHiO Photography

Inside Nettlebed Cave

The cave is primarily formed in Arthur Marble, a type of metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized limestone. This limestone was originally deposited as sedimentary rock millions of years ago, likely from the shells of marine organisms. Over time, intense heat and pressure transformed this limestone into marble, giving the cave its characteristic white and grey hues.

Nettlebed Cave, on Mt Arthur in Kahurangi National Park, is New Zealand’s deepest cave at 1174 metres.

Hundreds of metres below the ground, far beyond where natural light has ever penetrated, a group of Kiwi cavers have discovered something small, but significant – a connection between two massive cave systems in the Arthur Mountain range of the South Island of New Zealand.

Nettlebed Cave is a limestone cave located in the Mount Arthur region of the northwest South Island of New Zealand.  Nettlebed Cave was thought to be the deepest cave system in the southern hemisphere. The Nettlebed system is now 1174m of vertical (The deepest in NZ) with the discovery of a new entrance series that was recently connected, and is now the second longest passages at 38.252km.

A trip through the cave usually takes two days, and a chamber known as Salvation Hall serves as the sleepover spot. Large systems like Nettlebed took many expeditions and years to explore.

The crystal pool is a popular tourist destination, but it is only accessible to experienced cavers. The cave is located in a remote area and the hike to the entrance is challenging.

Nettlebed Cave Photos

Crystal formations in a pool, Photo credit: WHiO Photography

Crystal formations in a pool, Photo credit: WHiO Photography

Photo credit: Nicolas C. Barth.

Photo credit: Josep Herrerías & Núria Zendrera

Photo credit:  Neil Silverwood/Barcroft India

Photo credit:  Neil Silverwood/Barcroft India

Nettlebed Cave is not just a beautiful natural wonder but also holds valuable scientific information. Studying the cave's geology can provide insights into the region's tectonic history, past climates, and even the evolution of cave life.