Andrew Fredrickson has been caving for 30 years
Waitomo caver Andrew Fredrickson has led abseil and cave expeditions under Waitomo farmland for decades.
Thirty years after joining Hamilton Tomo Club to explore Waitomo’s extensive cave system, its vice president has earned New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA) Abseil Leader and Cave Leader qualifications. In that time he estimates he has explored around 50 caves.
Fredrickson, known as Frog to Waitomo locals, has joined a handful of other past and present club members who have also achieved NZOIA qualifications.
The qualifications are earned through logging qualifying expeditions both as a participant and leader, completing written work around best practice, and completing four-day courses and assessments for each of the qualifications.
Fredrickson completed the abseil and cave leader courses through Scouts Aotearoa, for whom he has been involved in supporting the annual National Scout Caving School as well as an abseiling base for the 23rd Aotearoa Scout Jamboree in December 2023 and January 2024.
“I was not sure whether the courses were going to be easy or hard, with them being professional level qualifications,” Fredrickson said.
“Some of it was easy. And I was very pleased to see it was not just about which knot to tie, but also about the cultural aspect, flora and fauna.”
Fredrickson is keen to learn more, as he awaits an opportunity to complete the NZOIA Rock Leader assessment.
For Fredrickson group membership, and leading expeditions, is all about community and giving back.
“It’s always been a family thing,” he said.
“Parents bring their kids along to monthly meetings, and we adapt the trip to suit those who are going.”
Andrew’s son James, 14, recently led a scout group through the caves during a three-day camp with support from Andrew and other club members.
“It’s really good fun,” said James who first joined his dad and the group when he was five.
James has often brought friends into the caves with him and is brimming with knowledge about which route to take.
“Sometimes friends say that’s scary, sometimes they say that’s cool,” he said.
“I would also like to get qualified for that stuff, and maybe in outdoor education.”
James is considering a career as a cave guide with one of the commercial operators in the district.
Hamilton Tomo Group is one of the oldest caving clubs in New Zealand and has been actively exploring the caves of Waitomo – and elsewhere – since 1949.
The Fredricksons, and other members, are acutely aware that they could not operate without the permission and goodwill of farmers and landowners.
They once rescued livestock for a farmer and were awarded for their efforts. And it is not uncommon for club members to fence off tomo to help their hosts.
Conservation of the cave systems is also foremost in their minds, with club members hosting regular working bees to keep the caves pristine and protect the natural wonders that decorate the caves.
Hamilton Tomo Group members cavers have explored cave systems in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands, England, Wales, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, France, Austria and Turkey.
As well as hosting club members, Scout groups, and school groups, its club house, in Te Anga Road, Waitomo, is also used by trampers completing the Te Araroa Trail.
