The Crooked Rock (Waikato) Traditional Cache
Hidden : 2/19/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Many, many years ago, one of the tracks over the mountain from the coast to the Waipa Valley would take the traveller past Kohatu Piko or 'The Crooked Rock'. As time passed, many travellers disappeared on this route and were never heard of again. Upon investigation, it was found that a huge taniwha lived in the cavern-like recess beneath the rock and would devour any passer by.

Something had to be done, so a party of brave warriors climbed to the top of the rock while the taniwha slept. They prepared a large boulder above the cave, tied a slave to a long flaxen rope and lowered him to the entrance. When the taniwha scented human flesh it came roaring out of the cave. At the right moment, the warriors pushed the boulder over the edge, hitting the taniwha on the head and killing it.


The view from Tiwarawara

So, as far as we know, it is now relatively safe to go there. But be warned that the cave still exists (take care - I nearly fell down it and almost became taniwha tucker). And, as impressive as the rock is, there is no track to get there. Looking at my topo, there appeared to be an old track leading down the valley towards it directly. I tried this approach originally, but found the track (of sorts) appeared to lead back towards the carpark. After trying to bush-bash directly down, I turned back after the thickening vegetation was bordering on unpleasant.

So this time around, I opted to continue on to Te Akeohikopiro summit solo, then bush-bash back down the next ridge. At least the first part to Tiwarawara is well worn and marked (see my description given for The Pirongia Triangle (GC2W674). After that it is still marked, but rather sparsely, and not so easy to follow. The unrelenting bastard grass just adds to the pleasure on the way. Make sure you take plenty of water, as it follows ridgelines the whole way and there is no water enroute.

The following weekend I checked out a slightly shorter looking approach via the western Hihikiwi track, and taking the turnoff towards Te Akeohikopiro from there. This junction is easily found due to the sign there telling you that this section of track is now closed. It is quite easy to follow though, and contrary to what the sign says, it is still quite well marked. Definately a little more "moist" underfoot this way, and the bastard grass is just the same, but it is both shorter and easier to follow than the other side - it took me a good half hour less going this way.

Whichever route you decide to take, you've still got about 1km of bush-bashing (oh yay!) to get to GZ. Or you can just go for it and bulldoze your way in from wherever - the choice is yours :)

Once you get to the rock, there are some steep drop offs to contend with on your way to the summit, depending on which line of approach you choose to take. I turned left under the eastern face and then tried the direct approach straight up hauling on ferns and flax before reluctantly deciding it prudent to back down after my arms were getting pumped and the hand holds were getting a bit scarce. By continuing on a bit further around, it was a simple climb up easy slopes.


Summit views

Just when you think you must be nearly at the top, the bush clears to reveal the final summit push ahead - cool! A bit steeper here, but nothing you can't handle if you've made it this far. Nice views from the summit, with some very serious drop offs from all around. If you're feeling brave, stick your head out over the severely overhanging western side. It's about 50m straight down from here and you can't even see the sides below you - very exciting!

So be warned - this cache is for hard-core cachers only who are experienced with the "delights" of off-track travel and are up for a bit of adventure. I've given it a 5 star terrain rating to reinforce that fact. The only specialist gear recommended would be a GPS with topomap software loaded so you don't get lost (or a GPX file - I can send you one), concrete pills, and perhaps even balls of steel just in case you do fall into the taniwha's lair.

It took me around 3.5 hours each way. Cache is a 200ml Sistema. Please bring your own pencil and spare trousers.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Va fznyy synk arne gur raq (V'z fvggvat arkg gb vg va gur fhzzvg zhtfubg)

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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