Dannevirke: Fantasy Cave even more popular

The Fantasy Cave in Dannevirke is captivating.

The magic of Dannevirke's Fantasy Cave put a spell on more than 11,000 visitors last year, up on the previous year's attendance.

"We had 11,075 visitors from all around the world come and share the excitement of the cave last year," volunteer Liz Edwards said.

"The Saturday before Christmas was a record breaker with 490 through the cave. That's the biggest number in the cave's 25-year history.

"December was fantastic, but we had to feel for our Father Christmas on the very hot days. He almost melted."

And the crowds kept coming, lifting last year's visitor numbers to 1000 more than the year before, Cave president Ces Edwards said.

"They came from everywhere and we're really pleased."

But it wasn't just New Zealanders making a beeline for the magical kingdom on our High St.

Visitors also arrived from overseas, mainly Europe and the United States, with one women from the United Kingdom googling Dannevirke before she arrived in New Zealand, discovering the Fantasy Cave was the place to visit.

"She couldn't believe such a small community like Dannevirke could have an attraction such as this," Mrs Edwards said.

"And one English couple have written in our visitor's book that the Cave was better than Harrods."

But it's not just the Cave which benefits from the hordes of visitors.

They spend in local cafes and shops and many make the most of their visit to town by visiting the AMP Wai Splash pools.

During the 25 years the Cave has been open more than $1 million has been pumped into the economy of our town.

"The thousands of visitors to the Cave put their money into the coffers of other businesses," Suresh Patel, chairman of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, said.

"However, I don't think we realise what the Fantasy Cave contributes and the spin-offs."

The Fantasy Cave is open during the school holidays on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.