In the pursuit of this series of caches you will explore the Skyline along with some of its feeder tracks. Along the way you will (depending on the weather conditions) experience spectacular views and visit interesting locations. As such, it was my intention when placing this series, for the emphasis to be as much about the journey as a whole, as it was about the individual caches. However that said, there is no need to complete this trail end to end (or in sequence) as the various access points will allow the journey to be broken up into discrete sections if desired.
The only exception to this is that in order to find the two puzzle caches, you will need to retrieve information from the other caches in the series.
The Terrain
Elevation profile Ohariu Valley to Karori
With a total distance of approximately 14.5km and elevations ranging from 130m in Ohariu Valley up to 420m at Mt Kaukau this track is very up and down. If traveling South, then over its length you will have climbed a total of nearly 800 vertical metres (or just under 700 if traveling North). You will also have gradients of up to 30% to contend with.
Further information on the tracks can be obtained from:
Safety
- As can be seen from the elevation details, the track is challenging in places. It is also very exposed along the ridges and weather conditions can change rapidly. So ensure that you are dressed/equipped appropriately and carry sufficient water and snacks for your journey.
- Whether on foot or mtb, please be considerate of the other users of the track and remember that the Skyline Track is designated as dual use so cyclists and pedestrains are equally entitled to be here.
Mountain Bikes
- For the most part, the caches in this series are placed on (or just off) the main track and where mtb access is permitted. However please check the individual restrictions for any of the other tracks which you may be use as many of the feeder tracks Do Not allow mtb access.
- Please travel at an appropriate speed and treat each corner as if there were an obstacle around it.
The Hunt
- During your search please take care not to cause undue damage to plants and their suroundings and where appropriate please tease up any grass in the vicinity to preserve the hides.
- You will be very visible from a long way off at many of the GZs and muggles can also appear with little warning, so plese be vigilant when at and around the caches.
- There is a fair sprinkling of FTF treats across the caches in the series. Just which caches contain them you will have to wait and see.
The Cache contains the log only so bring your own writting implement.
Have fun, be safe and happy hunting