Tirohanga Terror (Waikato) Traditional Cache
Hidden : 1/3/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Tirohanga is an awesome little pinnacle that you walk right below on your way to Pirongia summit via the Tirohanga track. It's name means 'the viewing point' and it does indeed offer fantastic views and some exciting exposure for those cachers who are daring enough to climb it.

Tirohanga from Ruapane

The quickest way up is from Corcoran Rd. The signpost at the start with the estimated times doesn't really make much sense, as you're already over halfway by the time you get to Ruapane. It takes me about 40 minutes to walk up to the cache from the carpark, so a leisurely 2 hours should be sufficient for most people.

About 40 mins past Ruapane trig you'll arrive at a little raised clearing with a view of the upcoming rock scramble above you. Take the little track of sorts through the flax to the base of the nearer NE side that you're facing, and then pick your route up. See photo link at bottom if you'd like a spoiler photo for a couple of suggested lines up.


On the way up in the rain

It's technically an easy scramble, but it is very steep - hence the terrain rating given. So long as you're sure footed and heights don't worry you too much you should be OK, although it will probably push the comfort zone of most cachers. Bear in mind it's more difficult coming back down, so don't climb anything that you're not confident of being able to downclimb. And it goes without saying that it's probably not such a good idea to do this in the rain as we did the first time.

Take care on the top - it's a long way down (I counted 6 seconds for a rock to hit the ground below!). Descend the same way. It's well worth the 5 minute walk to follow the track down and around the bottom to see what the other side looks like:


The other side - you can almost hear it calling "climb me!"

If you found this terrain was just too easy, then you may consider attempting climbing this side to complete the grand traverse. This other side is steeper and much more difficult, so I would recommend climbing up this steeper side and then descending the easier side you've now already done. Don't even consider attempting this though unless you are one seriously sick puppy and confident on steep terrain. Some experience in rock scrambling/climbing would be beneficial.


Nice exposure climbing the easier rock band near the top of the other side

If you're keen to give this steeper side a go, see my log entry below dated 12/1/12 for a few more details. Or give me a shout and I'll come with you - I'm always looking for an excuse to do it again. It's not hard if you know the line to take and the moves involved.

Update 30/9/13: I love this peak so much, I pioneered my 4th new route up the steep SW side yesterday. I also stumbled upon an alternative line up the easy side, so you can now pick your poison - both are about the same level of difficulty. See "Easy side routes up" photo link below.

Cache is a white pill bottle. Many thanks to tramyard for replacing the previous cache.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onfr bs ovt obhyqre ba jrfgrea fvqr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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