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Blue Creek Resurgence

Blue Creek Resurgence is one of the better known sites in New Zealand. Located on the Northern side of Mt Owen, Blue Creek had been dye traced to Bulmer cave system on the sothern side of Mt Owen giving it the potential for the longest connection in New Zealand. Although the dye has been observed, divers have struggled to find the way on into the massive system that lies beneath the mountain. It has been theorised that during flood gravels within the cave must move to reveal a passage that then fills in during dry periods.

 

GUE NZ have frequented the cave for several years building a team and rescources to look for the way on. In 2015 the Wet Mules from Australia also visited the cave and extended one passage they believed was the most promising. The lead unfortunately reached a second restriction despite their efforts to pass. There is a lot of water coming out of the main resurgence and even more during heavy rain. One day soon someone will find the illusive scource and will break into a huge cave system. All teams have been sharing information and rescources to find the passage so once it is found there will be a few smiling faces.

 

Even you you don't intend to explore new passage in Blue Creek, it is well worth a dive.

Video from GUE's Project Middle Earth in 2013

Blue Creek is a cold dive reaching a maximum temperature of 7 degrees. The cave very quickly drops to 32m where a series of passages join at an intersection. To the Right heads up towards the shallows and the main resurgence that is choked up with boulders. The left heads down towards the Cathedral, an awe inspiring part of the cave. The floof of the cathedral is covered in gravel at around 45-50m while the ceiling dissappeard up to around 20m. Continuing on from the cathedral, the cave then drops to 70m where another intersection is reached. Straight ahead takes you towards the end of the cave while taking a right hand trun brings you to the restriction the Wet Mules passed in 2015. From here, who knows where the cave will go?

Video from GUE NZ's 2014 trip
Video from The Wet Mules trip in 2015

Video from CDNZ trip in 2016

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