About the Geocache
A traditional cache to be found at Te Rerenga Wairua (see the
eponymous virtual
GC2423). In English this translates as "the
leaping-off place of spirits".
Also known as Cape Reinga (the better known Pakeha name, coming
from the Maori word "Reinga", meaning "underworld".) or Te Reinga,
this cape is one of the most sacred Maori places in New
Zealand.
Tradition says that the spirits of the dead travel along two
pathways to Cape Reinga, at the northernmost tip of the
country.
One path begins in the south and runs along Te Oneroa-a-Tohe
(Ninety Mile Beach), and the other starts at Kapowairua (Spirits
Bay).
At Cape Reinga, they depart the land by leaping off an 800 year
old Pohutukawa tree into the water; surfacing after crossing the
ocean at Manawatawhi (Three Kings Islands). There they sing a last
lament for the loved ones they have left behind before proceeding
to their spiritual home in Hawaiki.
This journey is referred to as "Te Ara Wairua" or the "Spirits'
pathway".
A spring in the hillside, Te Waiora-a-Tane (the "Living waters
of Tane"), also played an important role in Maori ceremonial
burials, representing a spiritual cleansing of the spirits, with
water of the same name used in burial rites all over New
Zealand.
This significance lasted until the local population mostly
converted to Christianity and the spring was capped with a
reservoir, with little protest from the mostly converted population
of the area. However, the spring soon disappeared and only
reappeared at the bottom of the cliff, making the reservoir
useless.
This is tapu land.
Please ensure that you respect the plants and animals here at all
times.
About the Cache
A 1.2l Sistema container with stone camo.
Some stealth may be required at GZ due to spot's public
popularity.
THERE IS NO NEED TO LEAVE THE PATH.
Please ensure that you replace carefully so as it remains not
obvious!
Contents at Placement
- Stash note, log book, pencil, sharpener and silica gel
- Badge
- Malaysia keyring
- CITO Bag-it
- Basketball
- Smiley face
Problems?
Geocaches need
maintenance from time to time (as do we all?!).
If this one looks in need (new log book/container
maintenance/other), please let us know.