Why Waimangu....(Bay of Plenty) Traditional Geocache
Why Waimangu....(Bay of Plenty)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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... because my father was the Guide in this geothermal valley at the time of my birth.
This cache is deliberatley being listed today (10 June 2011) because today is the 125th anniversary of the eruption of Mt Tarawera. On 10 June 1886 Mt Tarawera erupted violently; increasing the size of Lake Rotomaha significantly, burying villages, destroying the World-famous Pink and White Terraces yet also creating the unique Waimangu Geothermal Valley. As an extra to this, mapping of the Rotomahana lakebed in early 2011 has shown evidence of the existence of both the Pink and White Terraces which has scientists and others quite excited. It will be interesting to follow developments.
The valley is one of the major tourist destinations in the Rotorua area featuring: a boiling lake, numerous craters (one of which displays a regular rise, overflow and fall of the water in it's vent), fumeroles, silica terraces and a hot water stream.
This cache is located outside of the scenic reserve, indeed it is not even within the associated carpark. But do take care as it is located just off the access road. Note that the pencil has gone missing, so you will need to bring your own writing implement.
Note that if you want to visit the valley itself there is an entrance fee.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1z nobir tebhaq. gjva chatn.