On 10th November 2006, 37 pilot whales died after a pod of about 70 stranded at Marsden Point. On the 11th another 17 whales - adults, juveniles and a few calves - died when 46 stranded a few kilometres south at Uretiti. However, of the mammals found high and dry, 29 were refloated with the help of hundreds of volunteers. The Ngatiwai and the Takahiwai-based Patuharakeke hapu were each allocated two whales. They removed the bones and prepared them for carving and rendered down the blubber to use on carvings instead of linseed oil. The remaining whale carcasses were buried in the dunes on DOC land.
At the above coordinates, facing the monument, walk 5 metres directly behind. At this point you will find the cache.
Public parking available at S 35 55.914 E 174 27.600 NOTE...THERE IS A GATE TO THIS D.O.C. CAR PARK WHICH IS LOCKED AT NIGHT. PLEASE READ THE TIMES OR YOU WILL BE LOCKED IN!