Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a mainland ecological island located in the North Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by the world’s longest pest-proof fence, Sanctuary Mountain’s ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of our most endangered species – from birds to bats, frogs to reptiles, tuatara to giant weta.
Follow signs for mountain/summit track, not Southern enclosure. Follow the old over the mountain track. See Pukeatua Peak cache for more detailed directions if desired. The rocky outcrop can be reached either via the old over the mountain track from the south or via the new quad bike all weather track and then head south at the Pukeatua saddle.
The view from the cache is amazing. You can see Mt Ruapehu on a fine clear day. The old over the mountain track requires some scrambling up the rocky and rooty trail (my 6 and 9 yr old sons coped fine).
The cache container is a black plastic cylinder (300 mls) with a screw top lid. Cache is easily reached whilst on track. No need to rummage in the bushes. Look for the two orange markers close together (one on rock and one on tree)