SUMMER 2026 ༠ 49
PHOTOS: AWOISOAK KAOSIOWA/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/CC BY-SA 3.0 (TUNNEL), THL (BOAT)
NEW ZEALAND
Waitomo Caves
Located in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, 
the Waitomo Caves are a limestone cave system formed over 
millions of years. Known for their ‘living lights’, visitors drift 
along an underground river beneath ceilings illuminated by 
thousands of bioluminescent glowworms, evoking a star-
studded night sky. The caves also feature striking stalactite 
and stalagmite formations. Ruakuri Cave includes areas of 
cultural significance, with one of its entrances having been 
used historically as a Māori burial site.
SOUTH KOREA
The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
Located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the Third 
Infiltration Tunnel, also called “Third Tunnel of Aggression,” 
was likely built by North Korea for covert troop movement. 
Discovered in 1978, it stretches nearly 1.6 km, is 2 metres 
high and 2 metres wide, and is believed capable of moving up 
to 10,000 troops per hour. Only a section is open to the public. 
Visitors wear hard hats and descend a steep access passage 
into the tunnel, which lies about 73 metres underground, 
walking through low, damp corridors toward the Military 
Demarcation Line. The site offers a stark reminder of the 
tensions that continue to define the Korean peninsula.

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