Tawanui Recreation Area (Otago) Traditional Cache
Tawanui Recreation Area (Otago)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This camping area is a fantastic place to stay. This isolated campsite is in a clearing beside the river. Day walk the Catlins River Track (5 hr) through silver beech forest. The cache is placed at the start of this track, you are looking for a 200ml container.
The Tawanui bridge has been removed and is going to be replaced. At the moment the best way to get to this site is from; Owaka turn up the Owaka valley rd then turn into Morris Saddle road. There is a large sign saying bridge is out but you don't have to cross this bridge.
Time: Tawanui to Franks Creek – 2.5 hr
Franks Creek to Wallis Stream – 1.5hr
Wallis Stream to The Wisp – 1 hr
The well formed track begins at the camping ground to follow the true left of the river. It can be walked in sections, via connecting tracks from the forestry road. However, the road can be very rough and not always suitable for the family car.
From the Tawanui end, the first part of the track is through exotic forest which soon gives way to silver beech. Over its entire length the track crosses the Catlins River by swing-bridges a total of four times. Features to look out for are the threatened möhua/yellowhead, especially at the northern end of the track. At the Tawanui end many of the silver beech trees host the native mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi. In December/January it’s worth looking out for this hemi-parasite’s impressive scarlet flowers.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orybj Benatb gevnatyr