MIGHTY TEN MEGGA (BIG is GOOD)(Auckland) Traditional Cache
MIGHTY TEN MEGGA (BIG is GOOD)(Auckland)
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(large)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
O K, we’re sick of puzzles, Confused with conundrums, and tired of grovelling around at ground level for miniscule micros. (I plead forgiveness for flirting with with those.) So here is my attempt at redemption, the title says it all.
So here is my puny attempt to follow Gr8dads amazing Weiti River Maxi. I present to you the MIGHTY TEN MEGGA (BIG is GOOD) Geocache.
OK The approach to the reserve where this cache resides is a bit confusing. The locals, I think, would rather you did not know about it. However, the route described is a legal accessway.
So park at S 36 47.016, E 174 40.639
Look for a short, waratah and wire, fence/gate across some wheel tracks at 36 47.030, E 174 40.648
There is a boundary fence running SE on the left. Follow down on the right side of the fence for 190 metres and you’ll be in the reserve proper. From here your on your own, but beware of drop offs and be aware this is a route rather than a formed track. A night visit could be risky and young kids will need supervision.
It is possible to approach by kayak at high tide, but there is no proper track to follow, so if your interested I have uploaded a gpx file of a suggested landing and approach route. (To download click on the Action button on the right midscreen)
(visit link)
The black container’s size is in keeping with the cache name. It takes considerable strength to open and close so please be careful to close it properly.
Now there has developed some strong competition for FTFs especially on the North shore but also in the Northwest so I have placed this cache to be close to both areas and also I decided to offer a special large size FTF prize in the form of a .50 cal ammo box. A Great Deal? Yes?
But Wait! There’s more!
This Rolls Royce of cache containers is already cammo painted and stenciled and has inside, a laminated stash note with a log book and pencil + sharpener + dessicant. All you need to add are a few goodies and its ready to place. (see photo accompanying my initial log or background image)
This cache is situated in the Tauhinu Historical Reserve and the historical reference intrigued me. I was aware that a Maori Pa had been situated in the area and initially expected that it had been situated on the top of the hill as is common to most defensive pa sites.
When I placed the cache I said to my friend that the ditches looked like maori earthworks. Research since, has uncovered a map and a description of the area as a pa site and which was surveyed in 1973
The story is told in a book by R E King published in 1984 entitled Tauhinu, A history of Greenhithe and also referenced in a later book The Story of Rural Glenfield by Valerie Rounthwaite
This Tauhinu Pa, which was named from a shrub harvested in the area was the scene of repeated battles and was occupied successively by three different tribes over quite a long period.
As this is a such a significant historicall site I must remind geocachers to tread lightly. Please try to ensure that even the footprints are shallow ones.
.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
ba n fybcr haqre- ohg abg va- na ntterffvir cynag