Arataki Swingbridge (Waikato) Traditional Cache
Arataki Swingbridge (Waikato)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is a classic kiwi swing bridge that sways and rocks like they all do when you're on it! The view below is spectacular and if you're OK with pausing to look down you might spot a feeding trout as it moves out from the deeper pools across the sandy stream bed.
The swingbridge at the end of Arataki Road is an old NZ Forest Service suspension bridge that crosses the Mangakino Stream at a narrow rock gorge. It was placed here (probably in the 1960's - 1970's) to provide recreational access to Pureora Forest Park. The bridge still sees regular use today from hunters, trampers and mountain bikers (see Classic NZ Mountain Bike Rides and http://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/waikato/mountain-bike-pureora.pdf)
The bridge is constructed from wire ropes and has a wire mesh walkway and sides with concrete abutments at either end. Recommended loading is 1 person on the bridge at any one time.
If accessing the bridge from inside the Forest Park travel down Titiraupenga Rd past the YMCA Camp on Mt. Titiraupenga. Use caution if driving as the road is subject to wash-outs and is often un-drivable all the way to the bridge.
From outside the Forest Park access is off SH 32 on either Arataki Rd (follow to the end) or Pakonui Rd. (turn left at the end). The last 800m of road is fairly narrow and is metalled. You will come to a parking area on the left side of the road (see coordinates). Leave your car there and walk the last 450m down the road/track.
The cache is a camo painted 1 litre Sistema container with logbook, pencil and (when placed) Bee Man toy, pin and carabiner. FTF was fanfan-77, congratulations!
You do NOT need to get close to the edge of the banks to find the cache. Keep a good eye on any little geocachers!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sbhe bs gra.
Treasures
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