This virtual cache is a sign with a photograph near the former
Otago Pioneer Quartz (OPQ) company's quartz crushing battery. The
battery was established in 1863, but, was abandoned because of the
harsh wheather. The battery was then moved to Macetown in 1910.
The loaction is particularly interesting because it was once a
popular tourist attraction, with well maintained tracks. Now the
tracks have reverted to tussock and the two informational signs
seem as if they have been planted in the middle of nowhere. But, if
you look carefully you can see where the tracks ran between the
various pieces of equipment (finding them is all part of the fun).
I'm sure if it were closer to Queenstown it would have been better
maintained.;)
Beware of the open mine shafts around the reserve, the freezing
winds, gravel roads, and last but not least, the spear grass.;)
You may log this cache without supplying any information to me,
but, I reserve the right to ask (via e-mail): directly beside what
common type of gold mining equipment is the (first) sign located
(hint: look at the photograph on the sign)? Any logs I deem to be
bogus will be removed.
Directions:
It is easiest to get there from State Highway 87 (about a 25 km
drive). But, the most scenic route is from State Highway 1 via the
Waipori falls. You might like to arrive by one route and leave by
the other as I often do. Park on the road at S 45°51.127' E
169°53.144', the cache is about 250 m walk from there.
about 1 km further down the road to the right is some of the
more well preserved equipment, park at S 45°51.390' E 169°53.165'.
It is well maintained and really easy to get to as it is right
beside the road.
Amout 1.5 km back up the road agin is a gate at S 45°50.776' E
169°53.264'. Walk about 160 m south from there to find a second
sign (with a photograph) overlooking a mine shaft at S 45°50.860' E
169°53.249'. You can walk down to the shaft from there, but, do
not lean over the edge (it's about 150 m deep).