Mount Tauhara
The trail to the top of Mt Tauhara is a popular hike for locals and visitors. This 2.5km track reaches the summit 1,088 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views over Lake Taupo and the central North Island.
The hike can be challenging and steep in places, so be prepared by wearing sturdy footwear and taking plenty of water, snacks and warm clothing as there is often a very cold wind at the summit. The trip shouldn't take much longer than 1.5hrs each way however Taupo Land, Search and Rescue have had many call outs to the mountain so it is very important to keep to the well established track and respect the environment.
Mount Tauhara is a culturally significant landmark for local Maori. The legend starts with the warrior mountains of Taranaki, Pūtauaki, Tongariro and Tauhara who were deeply in love with Pīhanga, the mountain that stands above Turangi at the southern end of Lake Taupo. A battle erupted to win Pīhanga's favour and the victor was Tongariro. At their defeat, the other mountains decided to leave Tongariro's domain, travelling as far away as they could in the course of one night. Taranaki fled west towards the setting sun, and Pūtauaki and Tauhara fled north towards the sunrise. Pūtauaki moved fast and is now located near Whakatane and is also known as Mt Edgecumbe. But Tauhara was sad and with a heavy heart he traveled reluctantly. When overtaken by dawn he had only reached the north eastern shore of Lake Taupo. Here he stands to this day looking mournfully across the lake towards his lost love, Pīhanga.
To claim this Virtual
- At the 'Welcome To Mount Tauhara' message board (WP1 - Parking) - Message me - The first 'Condition of Entry' after 'Be Responsibile'.
- From the Trig Station - Message me - The 4 digit Geodetic Code.
- From GZ (posted co-ordinates not the Trig Station) - Post with your log - A photo of the view looking out over lake Taupo towards Mt Ruapaehu. This photo must include yourself (face optional) or a geocaching related item. If visibility is poor then a personal item or selfie (face optional) with the rocky out crop in the background will suffice.
You are free to log without confirmation and you'll be pleased to know mobile coverage is available all the way up. If the above criteria isn't met I will contact you - non communication will be viewed as a failure to satisfy the requirements and your log maybe deleted.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.