Operation W.E.K.A
Blue Spring
James Croker on a reccy mission to the Blue Spring
The Blue Spring is the waterscource for the town of Putaruru so care must be taken as with all cave dives to ensure that equipment is diddymo free.
Water from the Blue spring emerges from beneath a pumice bluff situated on the Waihou river. The water is a popular spot for tourists so it is advised that any diving takes place mid week to avoid dirtying the crystal clear water for onlookers.
The dive begins in the large entrance basin just outside the cave entrance. Dropping to a depth of 6m a pipe that feeds the town water supply must then be negociated before turning left into the main passageway. Waterflow in the cave is very strong to say the least so swimming is made difficult. Once passed the main passage a chamber is reached that backs up with pumice gravels that block the way forwards. Attempts have been made to clear the gravel with little sucsess preventing any further progression in the cave. Koura (freshwater crayfish) and trout are regularly seen in the cave and entrance pool.
The cave is short and unfortunately has little potential to continue due to the bedrock being made of pumice rather than limestone or Marbel.
An attempt to clear the pumice gravels results in a painful dive.
