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Sentinel Rock (Bay of Plenty) Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

tgsnoopy: I've decided I will finally archive this cache. As the top section of track has officially been closed for some time and DoC will not be re opening it I'm unable to replace the cache near it's original location.

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll do something else near this location at some stage in the future. Please, if you would like to, go for it. Do not put it off because I said I will later.

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Hidden : 11/10/2001
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is not located on Sentinel Rock, but is located on the peak just before Sentinel Rock. It is a 1.5-2.5 hour hike (dependant upon fitness) through at times reasonably steep terrain.

My usual 1.25 litre plastic container painted green. It is located under a small tree off the track. It should not be difficult to find, but be careful of bush lawyer (a nasty sharp prickly plant). The Waypoint may not be accurate at this point, I will return and check it as soon as I get a chance.

The official DOC stance on the track through to Sentinel Rock is that the track is now closed due to a slip. I climbed through onto Sentinel Rock when placing this cache, it is the same as it always has been, there is no new slip. It is a difficult peice of rock to climb in places, not reccomended unless you have a lot of confidence and a bit of experience. I suspect the warning is just caused by post Cave Creek and OSH worry or due to declining DOC budgets. The thing that has changed is the fact that the track is now overgrown due to the warning signs. Still I must reccomend that you do not attempt to climb up to Sentinel Rock unless you have suitable experience, and definitely do not attempt this alone or in poor weather.

Access is from the carpark at S37 35.833 E175 51.683 The carpark is at the top of Hot Springs Road off SH 2 South of Katikati (North of Tauranga). You will start on Tuahu Track and will go in for 10-15 minutes before turning left off to the Tuahu Kauris. While enjoying looking at the approx. 800 year old Kauri, turn back and look at the track marker pointing up to your right just before the start of the steps of the Kauri viewing platform, this is the start of the Sentinel Rock track and is easily missed.

The initial cache contains; A container of Rotorua Mud Balls (a licorice flavored sweet popular with tourists), a ball game in a small plastic cube, a packet of waterproof matches, a bottle opener keyring, a squeeze type pocket torch, and a Tiki lapel pin.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Yrnir gur genpx naq tb qbja gur onax n ovg, ybbx onpx naq lbh fubhyq frr gur pnpur ivfvoyr haqre gur irtrgngvba, vg vfa'g pbaprnyrq ng nyy naq fubhyq or boivbhf. Vg vf rnfl gb fgnl nobir gur pnpur, gur jnlcbvag vf nobir vg naq nobhg 1z onpx gbjneqf gur genpx.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)