Up There (Auckland) Traditional Geocache
Nedd: Closing this off to respect the Waitakere rahui placed to limit the spread of Kauri die back
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Are you 'up' to a good long walk in the Waitaks? I've placed a cache on Te Toiokawharu, the highest point in the ranges. No need to leave the track.
The most direct route to the top is via the Twin Peaks track, starting near the parking area listed below. Allow a good 4 hours return from here, and be prepared for a solid climb (from near sea level) and occasional mud – this is no stroll. Other routes that don't retrace your steps to get back to your car are also possible – consult a map (available at the Arataki Visitor Centre), and allow much more time. The northern loop via Nuggets and the Huia Dam Rd will lead you past a couple of other caches.
Along the direct route, evidence of the violent past of the Waitakeres can be seen at an outcrop of massive conglomerate boulders at an elevation of about 200m. The ranges are the eastern remnants of the huge Waitakere volcano, which reached a height of 3000-4000 metres from its seabase to the west about 20 million years ago, and is now long since eroded away.
A little further up at a track junction grows a mighty and uniquely formed kauri tree. It's huge irregular girth, with secondary trunk and squat stature probably saved it from early loggers. Please stay on the boardwalk - it's there to protect the sensitive roots.
Wild pigs were in evidence on my trip, having recently been grubbing up sections of the track. A crash ahead made me freeze, and shortly after a grunting youngster passed by in the bush a few metres away.
Take a map, water, victuals, torch etc, and wear good boots. Tell your Mum where you're going.
Cache is a 500ml flask, and there's a wee something for FTF, which I paid for in blood, sweat and fear!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
fvk cnprf sebz fvta
Ab arrq gb yrnir gur genpx