Ruth Park is actually an Australian author, but she has written this adventure story based in New Zealand about two Australian children who stay on a farm that their father has just inherited. They discover that the farm contains a magnificent cave system. With the help of a local Maori boy, they begin to explore and have the adventure of their lives!
This is a great fun, adventure book. Something happens on every page which is exciting. The writing is excellent, and the descriptions of the caves are wonderful. I loved the characters and she built real suspense into the story, especially with the Maori women and the eerie sound in the morning. The wild pig was great too.
It lacks "kiwiness" though - the children are Australian (which is no problem in itself) and the ending is just too fantastical. I'm surprised they didn't find the holy grail!!
If you want to learn more about caves this book could be fun, and there is some Maori history to learn too. I'm going to put this one on the Living Books list.