The Hole in the Hill

Author: Ruth Park

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I recently read The Hole in the Hill by Ruth Park, an Australian author who sets this adventure story in New Zealand. It follows two Australian kids staying on a farm their father inherited. They discover a cave system on the property and, with a local Maori boy, set out to explore it, leading to some exciting moments.

I enjoyed the book’s fast pace—there’s always something happening, from cave discoveries to unexpected encounters. Park’s writing is clear, and her descriptions of the caves are engaging, making it easy to picture the setting. The characters, like the siblings and their Maori friend, are likable, and I appreciated the suspense, especially around the mysterious morning sounds and the Maori women. The wild pig scene was a fun addition.

That said, the story doesn’t feel very “Kiwi” despite its New Zealand setting. The Australian protagonists are fine, but I expected more local flavour. The ending also felt too far-fetched, almost like they were one step away from finding the Holy Grail, which didn’t quite fit the grounded adventure I expected.

For kids aged 8–12, this is a solid adventure story. It touches on caves in a way that’s fun and sparks curiosity, though the Maori history isn’t entirely accurate. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable read, The Hole in the Hill is worth checking out.

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