Travel and Adventure photographer Chris McLennan recalls a memorable shoot at the base of New Zealand’s longest cave abseil.
This place isn’t called the “Lost World” for nothing. As I squeeze between limestone columns and finally wedge myself under a ledge of immense rock partway up the cave wall, I realise I am lost in here. Not just in the maze of caverns, tunnels and canyons that form this area of Waitomo, New Zealand, but lost in the stunning natural beauty of this unique scene.
The Lost World Abseil, New Zealand’s highest cave abseil and reputedly one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, is everything I’d imagined it would be.
The 100 metre abseil drops vertically between sheer walls before the bottom section opens out into an amazing dimly lit cavern.
The walls echo with my movements as I try to find the best spot from which to photograph this surreal sight.
The light filtering in highlights hidden mosses, ferns and other delicate foliage clinging to the steep walls, and throws the climber into stark relief as he slowly descends the line. I am shooting from a crevice in the wall of the bottom cave (having already made the descent myself, and still high on adrenaline).
This remarkable vantage point provides me with a clear view of the different elements of the drop.
I captured hundreds of images that day and this was one of many favorites. I was cramped, the rocky ledge was less than comfortable, I was constantly dripped on and I didn’t really want to know what the slimy stuff was on the walls behind me. However, as any good photographer knows, the discomfort is always worth it if you get the shot! Fortunately I did. This is a spectacular abseil and I needed to do it justice with a spectacular shot.
The Lost World Abseil. Photo by Chris McLennan. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, 70-200mm lens, ISO 200, f/7.1 at 1/10 second exposure.