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Junats Jaunt or Rangipo Ranger (Central Plateau) Traditional Cache

Hidden : 4/5/2015
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Rangipo is in one of the most unique areas in Tongariro National Park. It is the only true desert landscape in the North Island, featuring vast plains of wind sculptured sand, pumice, and volcanic rock. The Rangipo Desert is dryer than most areas in Tongariro National Park as it is sited in the rain shadow to the east of Mt Ruapehu.

Created on behalf of Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club, known as "Junats". Founded in Hamilton, in the Waikato, in 1962, it is an active club for 10-18 year olds interested in all aspects of natural history, conservation, and restoration in New Zealand.
Junats website | Junats Facebook

This one of a developing series of Junats themed cache: Blyth If I Don’t | Mangaturuturu | Rangipo Ranger


The hut is one of six DoC Huts serving the Round the Mountain Track, showcasing the varied volcanic landscapes and alpine vegetation on the flanks of the active volcano Mount Ruapehu.

Access can be gained from the north via the Tukino Mountain Road, crossing the acidic Whangaehu River, eventually arriving at the hut perched on the southern edge of the desert with views east to the Kaimanawa mountains.
Parking is available (see Waypoint) turning off SH1 at S 39 17.807 E 175 44.432 and following the (2WD) road for 7 kms to the signposted carpark. Take it easy in small cars.

Accommodation may be available at the hut: Rangipo Hut

Cache is a currently a screw top water bottle with logbook/sheet and pen. (Plan is to eventually replace box with more substantial container and logbook.)

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ34
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1826248, N5646639

 ~.~.~~~~....._
 .___.../\.. / \ 
 /...\-/..\_/...\_
Fan of Tongariro, NZ

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fnsryl guebhtu gur 'genc'. Haqre naq hc.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)