Double Falls (Waitomo) Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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These waterfalls are one of the highlights of this walk through Tawarau Forest. It is a varied track with sections of bush, forestry, limestone formations and streams.
Read the DOC page and you need to be well prepared when tramping on these tracks. Have strong comfortable shoes or boots, warm clothing, a good rain coat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen
Access to the Track and falls could be via a few different options, Appletree road or take two cars and walk through to Were or Speedie Road.
Appletree Road is a forestry track maintained by DOC and they recommend a 4wd or something with a high wheel base. This would vary depending on driver skill level (we had to rescue a car from a puddle on our way in so be aware) but if you are used to gravel roads you shouldn't find this too tricky (or if you are driving a company vehicle)
The track to the Double Falls turnoff is well marked and fairly well maintained. The turnoff from the forestry track is where it gets fun. Expect to be caressed by gorse on one side and blackberry on the other. I did notice a lot of maintenance going on round here so this may improve when they finish clearing? The track is made by following the path of least resistance but there are a couple of road markers to confirm you are heading in the right direction.
You will then hear the falls and the cache is hidden under the Upper of the falls. Do not attempt if it is beyond your comfort zone but when we visited there was a huge amount of rain and I only needed to go ankle deep in the water in a few spots to access the cache.
I would recommend a side trip to the Lower falls as well but this is an optional (higher terrain) extra. Have included some helpful way points of the way we went down. There are some great limestone formations here and apparently some giant oyster fossils.
The terrain rating is from a combination of the access, a few small sections of technical track plus a few bits that may be a bit hairy, but overall the track is of a lower terrain.
This is a beautiful secluded spot and I'm looking forward to seeing your photos of it. A great spot for a swim in summer!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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