From Mt Eden and Lake Pupuke to Rangitoto Island and the other 80+ volcanoes we have scattered around the Auckland Region, people from around the world come and walk, climb, and swim around these natural wonders.
What most people don't realise though is that there's hidden beauty below the surface of many Auckland streets and private properties.
Auckland is home to unique lava caves, formed by flowing lava, some of which are 40,000 years old.
Visual artist Chirag Jindal and speleologist Peter Crossley have spent the past 18 months carrying $100,000 worth of equipment into some of these lava caves, and have created the 'Into The Underworld' exhibition currently exhibiting at Silo 6, Wynyard Quarter.
When Jindal & Crossley needed 3D printing technology, Jason Barnett from MindKits jumped at the oppotunity to help out.
The 3D printing took a total of 1600 printer hours. Six Ultimaker 3D printers operated 24 hours a day and Barnett worked through many long nights to keep the project on deadline.
The models are made from 15kg of PLA filament and were post-produced and cleaned after printing before being intricately fused together using a plastic welding process to recreate the cave models. The caves are strung from the ceiling so visitors to the exhibition can see into each cave section.
'Into The Underworld' is open daily at Silo 6, Wynyard Quarter from 12pm-10pm until Christmas Eve December 24th. Entry is free.
