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Motukiore Island : The Homestead (Northland) Traditional Cache

Hidden : 2/1/2016
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

The sandspit out to the island is walkable at low tide only. Crossing is possible up to 3 hours either side of high tide.  Check the tide times online before heading out.   Plan to depart the island via the sandspit no later than two hours after low tide.  Please stick to the coastline and respect private property.


The track out to Motukiore Island starts off Whangarei Heads Road (see Parking Waypoint).  Clear trail markers exist through the mangroves as the track passes between the 'Pines' golf club and the Whangarei Harbour; however be prepared to get your feet wet.  Even at low tide the early part of the track (300 metres to 450 metres along the track from the carpark) can be wet and muddy and includes a creek forge.  Once past the mangoves and onto the beach the walk is much easier.

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Motukiore Island traded hands between many early settlers several times and often those residing on the island did not permission.   Evidence of the various buildings such as the saw mill and the farming sheds has been lost over time or properly removed.  At the North end of the island a homestead was built in the early 1900s. 

The homestead itself was a timber building with board-and-batten siding, and a tin roof.  A mixture of natives and exotic species form a grove at the site of the homestead.  There was an arched veranda at the northern end of the house, with posts of unhewn logs, and beautiful views across the harbour. Two large phoenix palms (still present) mark the east-facing entrance to the veranda. Also notable among the trees of the homestead garden are two kauri and a medium sized oak. 

Source:  DOC Online Information

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Please rehide well. 

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybj. Onfr.

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)