2010 Expedition to the Ellis Basin

Where? To the deepest cave in NZ, the Ellis Basin Cave system, Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park When? The Expedition starts January 9th and finishes 31st January 2010 The Expedition is now completed - read the online diary here. The full Trip report will be published here soon. Who? The NZ Extreme Caving Team - the team is made of Kiwis. Kiwis keen to go where no one has been before and keep NZ on the international caving map. Why? The expedition goal is to discover and map the deepest cave in the Southern Hemisphere. Specific plans for the expedition have been developed, with goals for each section of cave.

This is cutting edge exploration -

We will be underground; tramping, diving, camping, rock climbing, abseiling, mapping, photographing our discoveries, and undertaking scientific research. Underground the team will be totally isolated. No Epirb, no helicopters. Total reliance on our own resources, will-power and ingenuity to achieve a successful outcome.

It is world class-

As kiwi cavers we have a reputation throughout the world for being top of our game and excellent all-rounders underground. We are searching for a cave that passes an international milestone, 1200 metres deep and up to 100 kilometres long.

It is Physically challenging -

There is no other type of expedition that is more physically and mentally challenging.

A team of role models -

The team leader and other team members have spent most of their lives inspiring and encouraging Kiwis to set sights high, dream big dreams and embark on a lifetime of physical activity.

Additional Policies

Environmental Impact Plan