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Otawa Series #5 Tauhou Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

TheCoddiwompler: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in a prior reviewer note.

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Hidden : 9/7/2015
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Known for its dawn chorus, the New Zealand bush at one time pulsed with the sound of native birds.  Since humans landed on our shores about 800 years ago about 50 species of birds have become extinct.   Our forests are falling silent as introduced pests eat our native birds’ eggs and chicks, and the plants, seeds and fruit they need to survive. 


 

The silvereye – also known as the wax-eye, or sometimes white eye – is a small and friendly olive green forest bird with white rings around its eyes.  The silvereye was first recorded in New Zealand in 1832 and since there is no evidence that it was artificially introduced, it is classified as a native species. Its Māori name, tauhou, means 'stranger' or more literally 'new arrival'.

 

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/native-animals/birds/bird-song/silvereye-song-22sy.mp3

 

Reference:  Department of Conservation for Bird information


The series may be started from either Te Puke Quarry Road, or Manoeka Road.  It is a 10 kilometre walk between these points, and the Department of Conservation signs advise it is likely to take 4 ½ hours from Te Puke Quarry Road to Manoeka Road via Otawa Trig.  Starting from Te Puke Quarry Road reduces the climbing required significantly!  Alternatively, you could start at either car park, walk to Otawa Trig and return to your vehicle.   Finding most of the caches 1-5 or 5-9 will give you the co-ordinates to find the bonus cache. 

 

Gateway #1, #2 Kereru, #3 Ruru, #4 Karearea, #5 Tauhou,

OR

#5 Tauhou, #6 Toutouwai, #7 Kiwi, #8 Piwakawaka, #9 Tui

 

Coordinates have been averaged over multiple visits but may not be exact due to the landscape and surrounding trees.  The caches have been placed out of sight but not requiring rummaging around in leaf litter.  BYOP.

If you have family collecting and/or dropping you off, they may enjoy these nearby caches:

http://coord.info/GC41PK6

http://coord.info/GC40BND


Know before you go

*Ensure you have strong, comfortable shoes, a good raincoat, warm clothing, cellphone, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. Topo map strongly advised. 

*Leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.  

*Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. 

*Stay on the trail marked with orange triangles – if you haven’t seen a marker in 20metres, backtrack to the last one you saw. 

*Hunters may be active in this area, wear high-vis clothing. 

 

*A good GPS is required rather than a phone due to poor reception amongst trees and valleys.

 

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jvttyl gerr jvgu ybat bireunatvat oenapu, 5z Jrfg fvqr bs genpx. TY.

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)