The Headwaters of the Whanganui River (Turangi) Traditional Cache
The Headwaters of the Whanganui River (Turangi)
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It is hard to believe that this little stream in a deep gulley becomes the mighty Whanganui River which enters the sea in the town of Wanganui.
The river rises on the northern slopes of Mount Tongariro, one of the three active volcanoes of the central plateau, and close to lake Rotoaira. It flows to the north-west before turning south-west at Taumarunui. From here it runs through the rough, bush-clad hill country of the King Country before turning south-east and flowing past the small settlements of Pipiriki and Jersulum, before reaching the coast at Whanganui.
It is the country's longest navigable river. With a length of 290 km, the Whanganui is the country's third-longest river. Much of the land to either side of the river's upper reaches is part of the Whanganui National Park, though the river itself is not part of the park.
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area around the Whanganui was one of the most densely inhabited in the land. Unsurprisingly, with the arrival of the colonial settlers, the area near the river's mouth became a major trading post.
The Whanganui river has always been an important communication route to the central North Island, both for Māori and for settlers. It is, however, also a difficult river, with many stretches of white water and over 200 rapids. Despite this for many years it was the principal route to the interior.
Nowdays the river is paddled by canoest, boated by jet boats and forms part of the Mountains to the Sea Cycle Way.
Travel along State highway 47 towards National Park .Safe parking S39 03.353 E175 35.150 is on this side of the road. You will need to take care crossing over the road to retrieve the cache. The cache is NOT down the bank and this area can get snow in winter , is often icy and is in a high rainfall area. Young children should be left in the car as the traffic travels at 100km per hour.The cache is a small container with room only for a strip log. Please take your own pencil.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq gur penfu oneevre. ybj qbja.
Treasures
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