Welcome to the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk. The following information taken from Puketi Forest Trust's website.
Puketi Forest
"The Puketi Forest is an ancient kauri (Agathis australis) forest located in the heart of New Zealand's Northland. Along with the Omahuta Forest, it forms one of the largest contiguous tracts of native forest in Northland. Within its 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) Puketi Forest contains magnificent stands of kauri, podocarp and hardwood trees and a rich ecological diversity including 370 recorded species of plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The forest once supported numerous and diverse birdlife, but introduced pests have sadly reduced these through competition and predation. Unique species such as kokako, rifleman, whitehead, bellbird, kaka and red- and yellow-crowned parakeets are no longer present. Populations of remaining native birds such as North Island brown kiwi, kukupa (New Zealand pigeon) and pied tit are much reduced and also face local extinction without intervention. Toutouwai (New Zealand robin) were returned to the forest by the trust in 2009 and 2010.
Before human influence, New Zealand's only land mammals were two species of bats. Small populations of both these species remain in Puketi and require protection. In the past, Puketi was central to the lives of Maori and early European settlers. Its plants and animals provided food, shelter and clothing. In the late 19th century and first half of last century, its huge kauri trees supported thriving timber and kauri gum industries.
The forest is now protected as part of Northland Forest Park and is administered by the New Zealand government Department of Conservation (DOC)."
The Cache
The cache is a 200ml camoed sistema, located in Puketi Forest but is only accessible by crossing private land. Park at the waypoint and the track will be clearly marked. Please respect landowners as well as any stock. To get the cache, follow the green and yellow markers to the edge of the forest. You need to climb through an insulated electric fence- be careful!! NOTE: You do not have to leave the marked path to retrieve this cache.
Enjoy a rest here and admire the amazing Kauri giant.
On placement, cache contained: Logbook + pencil, dinosaur, Scotch thistle geocoin.
Please make sure cache is well hidden before leaving. Happy hunting and enjoy the forest!