Kea Cache
Placed on the island surrounded by the Queen Elizabeth Park Lake (more information on the lake below), this cache replaces the original cache, called “Kea Cache, Masterton” (GC1T15K), placed by the Lansdowne Kea Scouts (who are now inactive) on 29 May 2009. It was last found on 22 February 2011 before “disappearing” some time between then and 20 March 2011. Nine DNFs then followed, before the cache was archived on 31 December 2011.
On 6 January 2012, we decided to visit to scout out this location for a new cache in the vicinity of the old cache. We decided to go back and look for the original cache one final time before stumbling upon it, floating in a pool of water. We retrieved the old cache, removed all the dilapidated cache swag and put a replacement cache in place.
Then in early 2016, extensive landscaping of most of the island was begun. The large willow trees were felled, very effectively destroying the original cache location! Since the landscaping work took quite some time, we scoped the island for an alternative hide. It was about 75m from the original location, but still on the island and close to the train tunnel. This interim hide survived for a while before it succumbed to muggles. Then in 2019 and when major landscaping appeared to be finished, a hide not far from Hurricane Luke's original coordinates was found for housing the new cache container.
The Lake
In September 1906 it was resolved by the Council to add some protective works to the banks of the river (along the old river course at the bottom of Dixon Street, at Bruce Street) and to add the "artificial water". The lake was completed in 1907. Bathing was popular in the early years of the Park's existence, and as early as 1908 swimming carnivals were held in the Lake, to raise funds for further improvements. A diving board was placed at the eastern end of the Lake, and high diving events were placed on the programme. A childrens' paddling pool was added to the Lake, at the area where the inlet came into the Lake, in 1914.
The major island is divided into four by several channels. Extensive planting having taken place at different times. The major refit came when it was decided to make the lake a memorial to World War II. The lake was extended and renamed the "Lake of Remembrance". At the same time an avenue of trees (oaks) was planted to establish Memorial Drive around the northern side of the lake. The bridge to the island was built in 1961 and the miniature railway opened in 1972.
The Cache
The cache is now a small yeast jar (containing only the waterproof log sheet). You will need to bring your own writing implement. No room for trackables.
Please use stealth as this is a popular area, especially on Saturdays and Sundays as you are encircled by the train! The cache has been moved several times but is now quite close to its original location, and also visible from the train after it emerges from the tunnel. Please try to avoid being observed by curious onlookers so the cache doesn't get interfered with and can be enjoyed by others in future.