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| Left: The sign for the Red Rocks Reroute on top of the ridge - indicating the mountain bike level. Right: Looking down into Waipapa Valley. |
Zig Zag Outcrop
On our first walk through this area, we noticed a side track called the “Red Rocks Reroute”, which we initially believed to link up to the Waipapa Loop, but it turns out it is an alternative track for mountain bikers that zig zags down into the Waipapa Valley before reemerging at the coast a short distance west of the Red Rocks Track. Going downhill it’s an Advanced/Grade 4 mountain bike track, which is defined as “A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track's outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.” And going uphill it becomes an Expert/Grade 5 mountain bike track: “Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect walking and possibly bike carrying.”
The route brings walkers through some of the more sheltered sections of Te Kopahou Reserve, where native species are beginning to re-establish themselves and regrowth is beginning to appear. Quite a lot of scree is exposed and has fallen over the decades, as the hills have become destabilized by the lack of flora to strengthen the soil. Geologically, the strata is rather fractured by the number of fault lines that run through Wellington, which only serves to exacerbate the issue of erosion.
Cache Details & Information
This cache is a small 200mL Sistema painted matte black, and hidden in one of the many scree rock outcrop that has been exposed on these hillsides. It’s a short walk off the main Red Rocks Track, but the elevation difference is more substantial. The cache itself is not far off track, and overall it should be an easy find. It originally contained a logbook, logbag, geocaching notice, pencil and a small prize for the FTF. Please be aware that the track is well used by mountain bikers who generally use it as a downhill run. The track isn’t very wide either, with room for a single bike only – you’ve been warned!
You could also complete this cache as part of a 6.5 kilometre walk which takes you close to Sinclair Head, and allows you to pick up a few more caches along the way. We’ve called this the “Red Rocks Loop” – and it packs many views into a short distance and over a smaller elevation change. Please be aware that the 6.5 km is only in the one direction – it’s up to you whether you walk back to the carpark along the coast or go back the same way you came. It shouldn’t take much longer than 3 hours, including a few photo stops, cache stops and maybe a snack break. It may be worth bringing a hiking stick, some food and drink, and definitely don’t forget your camera. It may be a bit much to attempt to bike this one. All that aside, enjoy!
