This Geocache is one of a series placed around Lake Ngaroto which is Located 19 km south of Hamilton and 8 km north-west of Te Awamutu it has a surface area of 108 ha, making it the largest of the Waipa peat lakes. Lake Ngaroto provides an easy 1.5 hour walk and is a popular recreational reserve year round.
A track upgrade has recently been completed and the path has gone from about half a metre wide to 2m. You are also now allowed to cycle around the path. The length of boardwalk has gone from about 500m to more than 2km. Other changes include a timber weir at the northern end, to control the water level which features fish ladders. The catchment from Lake Ngaroto-iti has also being diverted to help stop flooding during the colder months.
Plentiful birdlife around the lake make for ample bird watching opportunities, and the mostly flat walking track, boat ramp, picnic area and playground make this a great family walk in the Waikato.
The local sailing club is regularly on the water, while the camouflaged maimai (huts) around the lakes edge play host to duck hunters during the months of May and June.
The walking track passes through bush areas, farmland and wetlands as it navigates around the lake, with signage providing information and illustrations about the local ecology.
Blue Duck are not usually found in Peat lakes, but this ones an exception. If you looh hard you might find one here snuggled up at the base of some punga.
GZ is a couple of meters off the track.