A Mazeing Dune Forest (Otaki) Mystery Cache
TheCoddiwompler: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
A Mazeing Dune Forest (Otaki)
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A walk through a Regional Council reserve covered with a mixture of old Radiata Pine, Macrocapa and assorted inner dune scrub.
This Six-stage mystery multi will take you on a journey through a block of land that backs on to the Otaki Health Camp. The first 4 waypoints are white film canisters containing slips of paper with the next co-ordinate. The 5th will help you find the final, which is a large ammo box.
You will start off in a plantation of fairly young pines and progress along an easy trail to a much older and very wind-blown stand of the same trees. It is unwise to enter this part of the forest in strong winds!! As you get further in the pines change to macrocapas and then the challenge really begins.
Once out in the more open dune country (which is really less open than the forest) the vegetation changes to grass, lupin, other typical inner dune cover and the dreaded Box Thorn, which you will need to keep clear of unless you are into pain and discomfort in a big way. Shorts and jandals are not a good idea for this one. The trails are a bit overgrown, but still discernible, especially where horses have been ridden (watch your feet).
The area has quite a bit of wildlife with rabbits, magpies, tui and fantails in abundance. You might also come across the odd pheasant, which can give you quite a fright as it takes off from the nearby scrub.
It’s very dog friendly here and you are likely to come across muggles out exercising their pets or just having a stroll. It’s also popular with local kids who build tree huts and forts all over the place, so take care while seeking and re-hiding. Children under 10 could find this a bit too challenging unless they are the adventurous type.
The distance covered will probably be 2.2km to 2.5km and it should take about 1.5 hours.
Park at the stile in Rangiuru Rd at S 40°45.001’ E175°06.633’.
THE HUNT
WP1 is an easy walk on a well-formed track.
WP2 is a bit further into the forest. Once again follow the track. You can see the Health Camp from here.
WP3 is starting to get a bit harder, but there’s still a trail to follow, even if it’s not quite in a straight line.
WP4 is beginning to get a bit challenging. You will have a trail for the first part, but may have to improvise a bit once you get into it.
WP5 is harder. Now you will have to make your own way. Watch out for the box thorn! It can be done without bush bashing.
WP6 is the puzzle that you solved at WP5. You can get practically all the way there on tracks.
Good luck.
THE PUZZLE
Co-ordinates for the final are:
S 40° AB.CDE
E 175° FG.HIJ
A = The 7th digit S of WP3
B = The 7th digit S of WP4
C = The 6th digit E of WP2
D = The year of the wreck of the Felixstowe – 1869
E = The number of crew lost in the wreck of the Felixstowe
F = The number of lives lost in the wreck of the City Of Auckland
G = The year the City Of Auckland was built – 1863
H = The first digit of the registered tonnage of the City Of Auckland
I = The sum of the 2nd & 5th digits S of WP3
J = The date of the wreck of the City Of Auckland – the date of the wreck of the Felixstowe (day of month).
When placed the cache contained a pile of new goodies and a special FTF prize, as well as the usual logbook, pencils etc.
The final used to have a much larger and more challenging container, but unfortunately it was pinched, so a larger sized ammo box is what you are looking for now. Watch for muggles at the final!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
JC1 Gnatyrq Gerr
JC2 Xabggrq Gerr
JC3 Evira Cvar
JC4 Fgenvare Cbfg
JC5 Zbahzrag
JC6 Pyrsg bs gur snyyra gerr
Treasures
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