Red Beech Track (Canterbury) Traditional Cache
Red Beech Track (Canterbury)
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Cache is located near Red Beech Track that heads to the summit of Mt Grey, North Canterbury. Reasonable fitness required.
Mt Grey is a popular area for day tramps through native forest and open tussock nearer the tops. There are several tracks, all different and attractive with superb views over farmland, the Waipara wineries, Pegasus Bay, Banks Peninsula and Canterbury Plains plus great views of the Puketeraki Ranges to the Kaikoura Ranges.
Located 15 km west of Amberley near Ashley Forest, Mt Grey is popular because of its views, ease of access and proximity to Christchurch and surrounding towns. Vehicle access is limited to forest roads between Lake Janet Picnic Area and the Grey River Picnic Area. Vehicle access is not available through Ashley Forest from the Rangiora area.
Mountain bike access, however, is available to North Canterbury Cycling Club member permit holders. It’s a great place to ride with many forest access points and all within riding distance from Rangiora. http://www.sportsground.co.nz/nccc Note that riding Red beech Track is impossible but it is an excellent ride up Mt Grey Road to the top and then walk down to the cache returning the same way. Walkers may acess from either end.
Logging trucks use the roads – Travel expecting them. The forest operators place signs during felling or trucking operations. Forest roads may also be closed during periods of high fire risk without notice.
Round trip walks vary between 4 – 6 hours. There are several tracks into the area:
From Lake Janet:
There is a shorter route directly behind the lake on the left side facing the water. It zigzags up at a steady gradient to the fire lookout tower. Then follow Mt Grey Road or continue with the track to the telecom transmission tower and beyond past the trig. DOC maintains this track from time to time.
Alternate route is walk or bike up Mt Grey Road. A little longer than LJ but better views, no overgrowth and easy walking. Be aware of logging trucks. Coming down Mt Grey on MTB is a blast …
From Grey River Picnic Area:
Mt Grey Track - From the northern end of the picnic area a sign posted track climbs steadily through attractive native forest, to open tussock nearer the top. It’s a fairly easy track capable of being negotiated by kids and moderately fit walkers. There are several places where vigilance is required with steep drop-offs from the track. MTB are not permitted on this track.
Red Beech Track – From the middle of the picnic area follow an easy track through beech forest. It becomes tougher with a stream crossing followed by steep climbs through native forest. For the less fit walkers the other track is probably the better choice. MTBs are not permitted on this track.
You are looking for a black plastic screw top container. BYO pen. Contains only a logbook and an Australian coin in a ziplok bag. Located several metres from the track in a scrubby area at 890 metres.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zngntbhev pna or lbhe sevraq ...
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