An experienced cave guide cancelled a school tour at Waipū Caves Farm Park because of the weather, hours before helping rescuers search Abbey Caves.

Whangārei Boys' High School student Karnin Ahorangi Petera died in the caves on a school trip on Tuesday.

Guide Ian Fox says they constantly monitor the weather, particularly if storms are predicted.

"On the morning, the teacher and I discussed it, and we looked at the weather and the cloud formation had moved more on to New Zealand, and it was not going to be viable."

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