The Akatarawa Valley is a picturesque valley that runs roughly north from Upper Hutt to Waikanae. The sides are steep and wooded, while there is a flat area at the bottom supporting pastures and some small farms. The Akatarawa River runs south down the valley, joining the Hutt River at Birchville, just north of Upper Hutt. The river can become very powerful after heavy rain, and in 2015 the bridge crossing the river at Birchville slumped under the onslaught of the water, leaving a number of residents cut off.
The mural is painted on a concrete structure that surrounds the entrance to a culvert that runs under the road and feeds the river below. Mostly, the culvert is fed only by the roadside gutter, but look at the hillside above and you'll see the reason for its existence. A hillside gully terminates here, and during periods of heavy rain water gushes down the gully and into the culvert. A look at the rocks gathered at the foot of the trap gives a clear idea of why this structure is required - I wouldn't want to encounter one of those bouncing across the road!
The mural itself was painted in 2014 by Wellington-based artist Anna Jenkins. You can see more of her work on her blog and on some of the broadband cabinets along the Hutt Valley. Indeed, at least one of her projects is already the subject of a cache in Upper Hutt.
The Cache
To reach GZ just drive north along the Akatarawa Road - you probably won't need GPS for this. Although the Akatarawa Road has been widened at the southern end, much of it remains narrow and winding. Take care along here - logging trucks may be operating on week days. It's possible to pull off the road and park safely at GZ.
On your way here you'll pass a number of other caches:
Continuing north will take you past another dozen or so before you reach Waikanae.
You're looking for a camouflaged 200ml Sistema container. When placed it contained a laminated geocaching information card and a log. Bring your own writing implement.
Please replace the cache how and where you found it - we don't want it muggled.
Ensure everyone who logs a find signs the log, or that their team name is clearly shown in their online logs. Online logs that don't match a signature in the log may be deleted. Photo logs will not be accepted.
If you can't sign the log because of a problem with the cache please log a maintenance request