A Nelson woman says she's lucky to be alive after falling 10 metres down a sinkhole in Golden Bay.
Jill Clendon was on Takaka Hill near the Ngarua Caves on Thursday checking out a course for an orienteering event when she came across the tomo, which was much larger than she thought. She lost her footing and slipped, falling its entire length.
Ms Clendon activated her personal locator beacon and put on some warm clothes while she waited for help to arrive.
She says she still can't believe she has no injuries other than six stitches to a knee.
Ms Clendon says the caves rescue team that got her out of the hole safely do an incredible job.
