Cracroft Caverns

The Cracroft Caverns consist of multiple chambers carved into the hillside, with the largest space measuring 7 meters high, 10 meters wide, and 30 meters long.

Construction of these caverns began in 1942 as a military headquarters project to protect against potential Japanese attacks during World War II.

The caverns received their name from the Cracroft Wilson estate, established by Sir John Cracroft Wilson in 1854, which the military commandeered for their operations.

The University of Canterbury physics department has utilized the constant temperature conditions within the caverns for conducting specialized ring laser experiments.

After being sealed and forgotten post-war, the caverns remained hidden until 1987 when reporter Jeff Field discovered them through information from a local gardener.

Location: Canterbury Region

GPS coordinates: -43.57444,172.62306

Latest update: March 8, 2025 05:51