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Kaikawaka Scenic Reserve, Rangiwahia Traditional Cache

Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A visit to this scenic reserve is recommended for its variety of native New Zealand trees in a small area.

If driving northwards towards Rangiwahia, turn off at Cemetery Road just before reaching Rangiwahia township. Just before arriving at the cemetery you will see the entrance to the reserve which is clearly signposted (see Waypoint also).

The walk is marked with copious pink ribbons to keep you on track. The cache is located very close to the marked track on the flat, lower section of the reserve. Kahikatea trees spread their roots across the moss-covered forest floor on the the flat lower section. There are a number of beautiful old matai and rimu specimens along the trail, as well as black maire and rewarewa. Tree ferns including the wheki-ponga and katote are scattered throughout the reserve. Surprisingly, there are no kaikawaka trees in this reserve!

Perhaps the highlight though is the New Zealand native tree kotukutuku, commonly known as tree fuchsia, which can be seen throughout the reserve. These trees are easily recognised by the characteristic appearance of their bark, which peels spontaneously, hanging down in untidy red strips.

Bird life is abundant too, you are likely to see or hear fantails, bellbirds, tui, kereru, kingfishers and others.

Depending on your route you may need to leave the marked track and go cross country. However on arriving at GZ you are back on a track again marked by pink tapes. You are looking for a 500 ml screw top plastic jar.

Higher up, past the cache, parts of the track are a bit steep and may be slippery when wet. Allow about half an hour or so for the full round trip.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ba gur genpx, ybbx sbe n gerr gehax jvgu gjb cvax evoobaf gvrq pybfr gbtrgure. Gur pnpur vf pybfr ol npebff gur genpx ng gur onfr bs n gerr shpufvn gung unf zhygvcyr “yrtf”.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)