Access and
“Things To Be Aware Of”
Drive to Portobello. From here continue along Harington Point
Road. Turn right and go up Weir Road (steepish, often with
corrugations, be aware of cyclists and oncoming traffic). Turn left
onto Dick Rd, park at the end of the road (Te Matai).Cross the
stile, as you approach the Pyramids signs will indicate that you
are now in Okia Reserve. The pyramids themselves are an igneous
intrusion (lava that has cooled slowly underground giving rise to
the columnal jointing also seen at the Organ Pipes). Indeed there
are many signs of the action of the Dunedin Volcano and one of the
tasks you will complete is associated with one of these known as
"The Rosette." Turn left at the intersection, walk along the
through the wetlands until you get to the co-ords at another
intersestion. Here you will turn left to walk up the Margaret Hazel
Slope.
To complete this Earthcache there is no need to stray from the
marked tracks or disturb any plants or animals.
The beach is one of two locations outside the Auckland Islands
where NZ sea lions are known to breed. It was only about 10 or so
years ago that the sea lion aptly named Mum re-established breeding
here. (I was lucky enough to accompany a PhD student to observe
here and her young here, the first born in Otago for 200 years!).
Sea lions can display aggressive behaviour:
• do not approach them
• do not make loud noises or disturb their rest.
Yellow eyed penguins also live and breed in the dunes. Keep your
distance from them, do not approach especially if they appear
anxious or are moulting.
The slope itself is being replanted and both it and the general
area have examples of uncommon plants. Please resist the urge to
take samples of any kind.
No dogs. This cache will be archived if there are any reports
of damage.
Background
In 1991 Okia Reserve was bought by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust
and the DCC who, along with DOC and the Te Runanga Otakou manage
the site.
The area up the hill beyond the co-ords is historic slip site
that is in the process of being revegetated to prevent increased
slippage in this area. One task that you will be asked to complete
is to measure the angle of the slope. Steepness is of course a
major determinant in the stability of slopes of sand, clay, scree
and other substrate. The area on the hill to right of the slip site
and beyond the reserve fence line is the largest remaining tract of
native forest on the Otago Peninsula. Taiaroa Bush is largely made
up of broadleaf, fuchsia, kowhai, mahoe and flax.
Follow the 4-wheel drive track up to the area currently being
planted by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. Planting at the top of
the hill started in 2000. Conditions are slightly damper and more
sheltered in this area. It is hoped that birds in the adjoining
bush will use this newly planted area and seeds in their droppings
will further enhance our revegetation efforts.
This area is predominantely planted with Myoporum laetum
(ngaio), Grisilinia littoralis (broadleaf), Pittosporum eugenoides
and tenuifolium, Sophora microphylla (kowhai), Coprosma propinqua,
Aristotelia serrata (wineberry), Cordylineaustralis (cabbage tree),
Kunzea ericoides (kanuka), Leptospermum scoparium(manuka), and
Solanum laciniatum (poroporo). Watchout for the stinging nettle
Urtica ferox (NZ tree nettle, ongaonga).
From the plantings there is a stunning view of the whole
reserve. Watch for small lizards. Volunteers have observed the
common skink sunning itself on the weed mats.
Logging
Requirements
Information can be calculated at the site (or later) and found
at information panels or in the pamphlet in the box at the start of
the walk. If there are none there email me and I will email you a
copy.Or, download your own
here
0. Preface any email with GC238WF Margaret
Hazel Slope & The Rosette in the subject line and title and
clearly note the question number and answer. Do not wait for a
confirmation email to log but be prepared to be asked for
additional information if your answers are slim.
1. Calculate the angle of the slope. I suggest
that you set a waypoint at the bottom as you start up the slope
(note that the co-ords are only approx, otherwise anyone at home
could do this so you’ll have to mark the start of the slope
yourself), mark a waypoint at the top and note the altitude change.
Use the distance between the two as horizontal distance. Employ
some basic high school maths to calculate the angle of the slope.
(If this looks like it is too hard I will upload a diagram and help
website link). Email your working and answer. Upload a photo
with you or your GPSr obviously somewhere on the
slope.
2. Along the northern line of cliffs there is a
distinctively shaped circular geological feature named the
“Rosette” after its shape. How did this form, what
is its diameter AND why is this rock botanically interesting?
Upload a photo.
Special Bonus question: 3 points for 1st
answer only: What is the reason for this being called the Margaret
Hazel Slope?
Acknowledgements and
Sources
Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and DCC for access and
information.
http://www.sealiontrust.org.nz/archive.htm
2010
Stegan’s EarthCache Masters Programme
Since it is not very feasible for many NZers to
easily get more than two states for the earthcache.org masters
programme and therefore not get past Bronze I’m running my
own one on a number of Earthcaches that I plan to release this year
(all things being equal) with the following points
system:
5 points: First to find
3 points: 2nd to find
1 point: Logging a find
1-5 points: Special bonus questions.
At the end of 2010, I’ll issue certificates
for 1st, 2nd and 3rd and the first place getter will be awarded a
geocoin. If I feel richer and/or it looks like this is popular
I’ll upgrade the prizes.
Updated information and Leaderboard at:
Stegan’s Earthcache Programme
