Overview:
This cache is one of a series of five placed along this track and is close to an interesting object that I happened upon in the bush when exploring the area over a year ago. The other four caches are at high points as marked on topographic maps. See photo below, the structure is directly over the line of the Rimutaka Railway Tunnel and appears to be an optical marker beacon that was used in the tunnel's construction in the 1950s. Since then the surrounding forest has grown and it is now completely surrounded by tall trees.
Old survey marker on top of ridge over line of the Rimutaka Railway Tunnel
For those who liked my caches "It Can Be Done" and "Tunnel Summit", you should enjoy finding your way along the tracks leading to this cache. However, if you are not familiar with navigating away from marked tracks and don't have bush skills, these caches are probably not for you. Note that because of the increased possibility of losing the track in some places when descending the spur leading up from Tane's Track to the ridgeline (WP3 to WP8), it will be easier to tackle this bit in the uphill direction. This in turn means that the preferred direction is clockwise around the loop. For those who do want to descend rather than ascend this spur, waypoints 4 - 7 are provided to help you navigate.
Map showing the loop walk, starting and finishing at Tunnel Gully
Much of the track is through native beech and podocarp forest, and occasionally there are spots where the forest thins out and excellent views can be obtained. If you're lucky you'll be serenaded with a variety of New Zealand native bird song - birds you may hear include tui, bellbird, fantail, long-tailed and shining cuckoo, and kereru, the native wood pigeon.
How to get there:
- Park at the Tunnel Gully Recreation Area carpark (see Parking waypoint). Walk about 250 metres back along the road, then up across the grass to WP2 which marks the start of Tane's Track, an easy loop walkway through the bush.
- Walk up Tane's Track until you reach WP3 where there is a seat adjacent to a large tree.
- Leave Tane's Track and take the track that leads uphill behind the big tree at WP3. Head up the spur, keeping to the crest of it as much as possible. The track is steep at first but is fairly easy to follow. Note that there are no markers so you'll need to rely on your bushcraft and navigation skills from here onwards.
- Keep on going past waypoints 4 through 7 and head for WP8 which is at the top of the spur on the ridgeline.
- Turn left at WP8 and follow the track northward along the crest of the ridge for about 100 metres to reach this cache.
- If you return to WP8 the track continues south and passes 4 geocaches before emerging finally onto the Mt Climie access road at WP9.
- Return to the carpark down the 4WD access road.
About the cache:
The cache is a camouflage-painted steel ammunition container with logbook, pencil and sharpener, and one or two small swappable items.
Further information:
i) - The total track length of the loop is close to 12 km.
ii) - Ensure that you have a good topographic map with you, and that you are able to locate where you are on it. The best option is to have an electronic topographic map set installed on your GPSr, and you should have track logging turned on so that if you do take a wrong turn you can navigate back to a known good location.
iii) - Take extra care if you decide to do the track in the anticlockwise direction and descend the spur from WP8 down to WP3 at Tane's Track. The track appears to peter out about 500 metres down from the top and it will be very easy to lose it and then be confronted with dense supplejack vines. Use the navigation waypoints I have provided (WP4 - WP7) to help you stay on the correct track and get you past the difficult bits.
iv) - Be aware that the track can be very indistinct in places. It can also be steep, narrow, or slippery in places, you'll encounter tree roots and fallen tree trunks that you may have to climb over, and there may be patches with mud to negotiate.
v) - Beware when negotiating any areas with supplejack vines, there may be the occasional bit of bush lawyer in there too!
vi) - Good footwear is recommended, sturdy ankle-height tramping boots are best. High gaiters are strongly recommended for leg protection against the hook grass, various forms of cutty grass and low fern that you may have to push through along the track.
vii) - As with all New Zealand mountain environments, weather can be changeable and you should take warm and waterproof clothing with you.
viii) - You will need to carry water, there is none available along the track. Be sure to take food with you too, and a first-aid kit is recommended for emergencies.
ix) - Good cellphone coverage is available along most of the track.