CAVE LEADERSHIP
NZSS has a short guide on good cave leadership which you can find via the link below. There can be more than one ‘leader’ on a trip, and it is a hallmark of New Zealand cavers that they take care of each other on a trip to make it challenging but enjoyable for all.
FITNESS & COMPETENCE
Assess whether your party’s fitness, competence, and gear is suitable for the cave. You may have to tell people that the trip is not appropriate for them.
CONTACT PERSON
Make sure you have a contact person who knows where you are going, when you are expected out, and what to do if you do not make contact by the pre-arranged time.
LAND PERMISSION
Ensure you have permission to enter the cave if it is required.
PREPARE
Get as much knowledge as you can about the cave beforehand: what obstacles and hazards there are, and what gear is required.
HARWOOD HOLE
Harwood’s hole has had many rescues and call-outs in recent years. This is mainly caused by inexperienced parties getting lost in the cave or trying to return on the steep, ill-defined path. There have also been incidents caused by gear failure, or by people getting to the bottom of the shaft and realising they were completely out of their depth. You need experienced cavers who know the cave to be sure of a safe and enjoyable trip.
Neither the local caving club nor NZSS provides a guiding service through Harwood Hole.
Please refer to the Department of Conservation guidelines.