Back in the 1930’s a local Geological Society studied wastelands on the banks of the Ruamahanga River on the outskirts of Masterton and came to the conclusion that it would make a great fresh water lake. With the formation of the Henley Trust in 1966 work began in earnest. Mining rights to the site were obtained by the Trust and the revenue earned from the sale of shingle funded bank loans, crown leases and property purchases. The official opening of Henley Lake Park was held on 14 February 1988, conducted by Henley Trust foundation member Mr John Mackley.
The Lake is 11 hectares in size with four small islands in its centre plus a further 8ha of wetlands. It offers a place for dragon boat racing and model yacht sailing, and has become an important breeding ground for water birds. The surrounding park is popular with dog owners, walkers and children enjoying the playground. There are a number of walking tracks throughout the area.
You can park at S 40° 57.063 E 175° 40.699 (off Colombo Road). The cache is a 10 minute stroll along limestone tracks from there. The cache area is wheelchair accessible, but the cache itself cannot be retrieved from a wheelchair. DO NOT following the "Driving Directions" on your gps as they are likely to take you to the other side of the river and there is no bridge there to cross the river and access the cache.
Update: Unfortunately the nearby tower burnt down on 10 October 2020, but fortunately the cache is far enough away that it was not affected.
Update 19 May 2024: Unfortunately the cache site has become a dumping ground for dog poo bags so cache has been moved to a cleaner area, closer to where the bird viewing tower used to be.