MrBeast recently thrilled his fans with a caving video in which he survived 7 days underground. The video follows MrBeast and his crew as they navigate the challenging underground passages and chambers, encountering breathtaking rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and ancient glowworm colonies.
The video was filmed in New Zealand – specifically the Mangapu Cave System, with the initial descent into the “Lost World” cavern which is a remarkable underground wonder located in the Waitomo region of the North Island.
About the Mangapu Cave
The Mangapu and Lost World cave system is primarily formed of limestone, a sedimentary rock that originated from marine deposits laid down during the Oligocene epoch, approximately 30 million years ago. Over millions of years, slightly acidic rainwater percolated through the limestone, gradually dissolving the rock and carving out the vast caverns and intricate passages. This process, known as karstification, has resulted in the formation of spectacular features such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.
The cave is 1352 metres long and features swimming holes, fossils, waterfalls and glow worms.
The Descent
The journey begins with a short walk through farmland and native New Zealand bush to reach the cave entrance. Before the descent, visitors are equipped with safety gear including helmets, harnesses, and abseiling devices. Experienced guides provide thorough safety briefings and instructions. The ropes are permanently installed and are used multiple times a day by tourists visiting the cave.
At the top of the Lost Word cavern (not shown in the video)
The descent itself is a 100-meter (328-foot) free-hanging abseil. This means that for much of the descent, you’re suspended in open space, not against a rock face. Upon reaching the cave floor, you find yourself in an enormous chamber, surrounded by ancient limestone formations.
The River
The river the team traversed through is the Mangapu River, which flows through parts of the cave system, continues to shape the underground landscape, eroding softer rock layers and depositing sediments. The Mangapu River is a significant geological and hydrological feature in the Waitomo region of New Zealand, playing a crucial role in the formation and ongoing development of the Lost World Cave system.
Mr Beast’s Campsite
The campsite was established near the main cavern approximately 100 metres downstream and near what is known as “The Spider Hole”. This location also took advantage of a natural shelf platform within the cave system.
Mack and Karl’s Exploration
During the camp set up, Mack and Karl explored a nearby passage. This is known as “The Spider Hole” and is about 100 metres from the main Lost World Cavern.
The glow worm chamber
The glow worms seen in the video are known as Arachnocampa luminosa. These bioluminescent larvae of a species of fungus gnat are not true worms but rather the juvenile stage of a fly. They produce a blue-green light through a chemical reaction in their tail segment, creating a mesmerising starry-night effect on cave ceilings. This light serves to attract small flying insects, which become entangled in sticky threads the glowworms lower from the cave roof. The glowworms use these threads, which can be up to 30 cm long, to catch prey and pull it up to consume.
Experience for yourself
Visitors can experience the Lost World Cave, similar to MrBeast’s adventure, through Waitomo Adventures. Two tour options are available. The half-day experience features the thrilling 100-meter abseil into the cave, followed by an exhilarating ascent back to the surface. This return journey involves traversing massive craggy caverns, navigating ledges, and climbing ladders, including the famous 30-meter “Stairway to Heaven.” For those seeking a more immersive experience, the full-day option offers an extended exploration of the cave system. Participants spend the day navigating the gigantic streamway passages, engaging in a variety of activities including walking, wading, swimming, jumping, clambering, and climbing. This comprehensive adventure concludes with an emergence from the base of a cliff, providing a truly unforgettable caving experience. We have no affiliation with Waitomo Adventures.
