The Cuzzie-Bro of Hinehopu’s Tree (Bay of Plenty) Traditional Cache
The Cuzzie-Bro of Hinehopu’s Tree (Bay of Plenty)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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HINEHOPU'S TRACK & HONGI'S TRACK:
This track is situated 20 km north-east of Rotorua off SH 30. The track journeys through the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve and the Hinehopu Scenic Reserve, and can be accessed from either the Rotoiti or Rotoehu end.
The cache is along a historical trail. Please respect the rules of the reserve.
The tree canopy is pretty thick you may have 5 to 8 meters drift. Cache name a clue in itself.
HISTORY
Hinehopu's (Hongi's) track runs from Korokitewao Bay (Lake Rotoiti) to Te Pohue Bay (Lake Rotoehu), through a forest of rimu, tawa, pukatea and rewarewa.
It leads to SH 30 at the sacred matai, then a small loop track takes you back to the previous track or on to Lake Rotoehu (15 minutes from the sacred matai). Numerous tranquil picnic spots can be found around the lakes. Whangaikorea (Honeymoon Bay) is a favourite spot, with toilets and a jetty.
The significance of this area lies in its important historic and scenic values.
Named after the Maori chieftainess, Hinehopu, who lived in the area around 1620. Hinehopu kept two homes, one at Rotoiti and the other at Rotoehu and often travelled between the two lakes. The track and area between the two lakes was named after her. The name Hongi was given to the area when the famous Ngapuhi warrior, Hongi, transferred his canoes from Lake Rotoehu to Lake Rotoiti in 1823 in order to perform a surprise raid on the Arawa people on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua.
Hinehopu’s Tree (also known as the Sacred Matai, or ‘wishing tree’ of Ngati Pikiao) is passed along this track and is also accessible from SH 30. According to the legend, a warring Maori tribe was making its way down the path (later known as Hinehopu's Trail) where a Maori princess and her baby (Hinehopu) were also travelling.
The princess hid herself and baby Hinehopu in the hollow base of the tree while the warriors passed by. The baby grew up to foster the first of the great tribes of that area, and all the lesser tribes came from it. Later she met her husband, Pikiao (II) under the tree. When they joined as husband and wife the tree became sacred to their union. The ceremony “Uru-uru-whenua” is performed by travellers passing the matai to ensure protection from evil spirits and fine weather for the remainder of their journey.
You can visit the Wishing Tree. It's by the side of the road. People place gifts of greenery or money or other things in the hollow trunk and are granted a wish. It is said that all wishes will come true.
THE CACHE IS NOT BY THE HISTORICAL TREE!
The cache is a 200 ml snap lock container with logbook, 1 pen, a pin, blue shell, 4 muggles cards, rot13 card, yellow flat cord.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Guvax sbbg
Treasures
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