Gisborne Botanical Gardens is a public garden on the banks of the
Taruheru River in Gisborne that dates back to 1874 and is still one
of the cities most popular reserves.
This cache was inspired by the sculpture situated near the New
Zealand Native bush walkway titled Janus/Two Josephs, which depicts
both a Maori face and a European one. The sculpture reflects both
history and mythology. In Roman mythology Janus was a two-faced
God, representing beginnings and endings. Often these two faces
were carved on the lintels of doors, both to greet and fairwell
visitors. In New Zealand, many of our towns have Haere Mai and
Haere Ra at their entrances, to greet in like manner.
In the sculpture, the two Josephs recall the history of Joseph
Banks, a botanist who came to Poverty Bay in 1769 (presumably with
Captain Cook) and a friend of the sculptor, another Joseph, whose
ancestors lived here in Turanganui-a-kiwa. The Botanist's face
looks to the forest, and the Maori face looks to the water.
This cache will take you from one end of the Botanical gardens
and perhaps exiting at the other, enjoying the gardens along the
way.
Maybe also find 'Under the Threshold' GC291G2 S 38° 39.300 E
178° 01.248 while you are here.
Take a walk in the park, maybe feed the ducks or enjoy the wide
spaces for a picnic, bring the children for a play in the
playground and discover some of other facilities these gardens
offer, such as the Glasshouse, housing a collection of cacti, the
free-flying Aviary, built in 1972 and the 3 sister city gardens:
The Australian garden, Japanese garden, and the Palm Desert garden
which holds the Cacti Collection. Each garden has its own character
and includes plants endemic to each Country and sculptures which
reflect the culture of that country.
Other gardens include: New Zealand Native Bush garden and
Riverside garden. There are also some other art works, for instance
'Desert Haiku' - a gift from the people of Palm Desert, and 'the
Raincacher' from the People of Gisborne, Australia.
Watch out for muggles, specially at busy times such as
weekends.
The final stage cache is a 200ml Sistema container containing a
log and pencil, sharpener, and various swaps.