We began geocaching as a family bonding experience. While that is still true, we’ve also discovered the thrill of solving puzzles, getting off the beaten path to places where we would not normally be inclined to go, seeing new things and the surprise of finding a well-hidden or creative cache along the way. These aspects have shaped our approach to geocaching and we’ve found it to be a great hobby that provides both mental and physical challenges.

When we received the honour of being awarded this Virtual we thought of many fantastic places we could put it – we are truly spoiled for choice here in NZ! Our abundance of choices eventually morphed into the idea of this cache - to incorporate some of the places we've discovered and love to visit with our favourite aspects of caching.

We’ve made our own caching categories based on the way we like to play the game:

You have been given a number of options for each of the three categories – to claim this virtual choose one option from each of the three colour coded categories and complete all the tasks associated with that option. In other words, you will be able to pick your own adventure!

Yes, that means you need to visit 3 separate places – one from the blue (A Little Bit Puzzled), one from the purple (Have Lots of Fun) and one from the green list (Get Off the Beaten Track) – and do all the tasks listed under each option. Please make sure to send us the info from all of the tasks you have chosen and post the required photos as stated in each of the options.

We hope this will provide a fun and interesting challenge and that you will choose options that you may not have done in the past in the spirit of this cache. Enjoy!

The 17,000 hectares of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is a spectacular place to spend a day hiking one of many tracks through lush native bush. Numerous species call this forest home; including the large Kauri snail, long tailed bats and a large variety of native birds. Aratiki Visitor Centre houses a wealth of information on the area and is the perfect starting point for any wild West Coast adventure. (Please make sure to check the track information as a number of them are closed to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease, and always use the footwear cleaning stations before and after hiking in the area.) This area is truly one of Auckland’s’ taonga (treasures).

*Task 1 - At S36 56.791 E174 36.356 find the statue and count the number of stairs that are carved into the side of the rock (note: there are 2 sets of stairs from the bottom to the top and include the landing in-between). Send this number to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 2 - Visit the 'Large Kauri' at S36 56.573 E174 36.190 and answer the following questions from the information sign:
1/ What type of shape do Kauri take when they grow up?
2/ What are teenage Kauri known as?
3/ What age was 'Kairaru'?

Task 3 - Walk to the Kauri Cathedral at S36 56.505 E174 36.095 and gather the answers to the following questions:
4/ What is the creature in the picture at the bottom of the sign?
5/ Other than 'Kauri Grass' what other type of grass can be found here?
6/ What do Kauri constantly shed?

Task 4 - Add the words found in tasks 2 and 3 into the grid below to find the code word highlighted in yellow. Send this word to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

These gorgeous gardens are home to over 10,000 plants from around the world, many native/threatened species and a permanent collection of sculptures by NZ artists. It’s a lovely place for a family picnic, have a walk around or feed the ducks (proper food is available at the visitor centre information desk, please do not feed the ducks anything else). We are fortunate enough to live close by and have visited many times. There is always something new to explore here but be sure to check the website for opening hours, admission is free.

Task 1 - S37 00.761 E174 54.460 - On the wall is a sculpture named 'Object Of Devotion'. What is the version number of this sculpture? Number = A

Task 2 - S37 00.717 E174 54.412 - The sculpture is called 'Turn', how many segments are placed upon each other to make this sculpture? Number = BB

Task 3 - S37 00.716 E174 54.383 - this 'Waka' would not float. How many holes would need to be plugged to the stop the leaks? Number = CC

Task 4 - S37 00.703 E174 54.356 - there are 11 stems that make 'Caught In The Act Of Losing You', how many coloured glass circles are mounted to them? Number = DD

Task 5 - S37 00.527 E174 54.387 - the 'Rose Cathedral' shows its flowers, how many are there?
Number = EE

*Task 6 - S37 00.460 E174 54.417 - 'Ratiti Mya' has some rather large pieces, how many in all make up this collection? Number = F

Task 7 - S37 00.657 E174 54.343 - 'Entwined' in this sculpture are how many leaves? Number = GG

Task 8 - S37 00.628 E174 54.540 - there is 'The Boy, Kauri' and how many 'Kereru'? Number = J
(Hint, there are two sculptures in this area that have Kereru - the one you want is behind the benches)

Task 9 - S37 00.665 E174 54.456 - if you go camping at this 'Camp Site', how many complete blue squares will you be sleeping on? Number = KK

Note: the checksum for all 9 numbers added together = 286

Task 10 - Join all of the numbers found in tasks 1 - 9 together to form a 15 digit number as shown below. Add the given number as shown and calculate a coordinate for the next task.

This walk is included in the Te Araroa Trail, a continuous 3,000 km walking track spanning Cape Reinga in the tip of the North Island and Bluff in the South. Along the shoreline you’ll be treated to views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, beaches, rockpools and points of historical interest including a basalt stone castle. At low tide you’ll be lucky enough to see a rare sight by the Takapuna Beach boat ramp - parts of a fossilised Kauri forest that was formed by lava flowing from nearby Lake Pupuke about 190,000 years ago. While mostly flat, there is a bit of rock hopping and decent shoes are recommended as it gets slippery when wet.

Task 1 - At the following locations find the the signs as named on the crossword clues below and work out the words to complete the crossword:

• S36 47.035 E174 46.577 (3 signs)
• S36 46.812 E174 46.631 (1 sign)
• S36 46.280 E174 46.385 (1 sign)

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill is one of 46 volcanoes that dot the Auckland landscape. The peak provides spectacular views across the city including both of Auckland’s harbours. Maungakiekie in Maori means ‘Mountain of the Kiekie vine’, it is a site of spiritual, cultural, historical and geological significance for all New Zealanders. We’ve spent countless hours with friends and family enjoying the surrounding park and hope that you have lots of fun completing this task!

Task 1 - At S36 54.010 E174 46.920 write your full geocaching name in rocks at the bottom of the crater so it is large enough for a picture from the road above. Abbreviations or team names will not be accepted.

*Task 2 - There is a plaque at S36 53.965 E174 46.955 about the history of this location, add together the number of times the letter 'B' and the letter 'W' are used in the text of the plaque (do not use the maker of the plaque or who the text was supplied by). Send the details to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 3 - Take a picture of your geocaching name created at the bottom of the crater from S36 53.995 E174 46.965 and post with your log.

Task 4 - Who was the architect and the contractor of the obelisk at S36 54.004 E174 46.990? You will find this information on some of the foundation stones close by. Send the details to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Lake Wainamu is a freshwater dune lake that formed during the last 6,500 years when the Wainamu Stream Valley was dammed by dunes of sand blown inland. Located about 1 km before Bethells beach, look for the car park to the left just after the one lane bridge and follow the sign. We love making a day of it here - a freshwater lake surrounded by native bush, giant sand dunes and a waterfall! Be sure to bring a small plastic sled/boogie board and a picnic (don’t forget a sign with your geocaching name on it). You can either go over the dunes (quicker, more difficult route) or follow the stream around (easier, longer route) – we highly recommend doing both!

Task 1 - At S36 53.208 E174 27.778 there is a toilet block with a poem on the front of it, who is the author of the poem? Send the answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 2 - Around S36 53.245 E174 27.925 you will be standing on the side of the sand dunes overlooking the lake. Take a photo of yourself riding down the dune. Post the photo with your log.

*Task 3 - Take a walk to the far side of the lake (a loop track runs around the entire lake) and find the carving at S36 53.470 E174 28.628. The carving has 3 fingers on each hand, on each of these fingers count the number of diamond shapes carved into them (do not count the partial ones close to the tips of the fingers). Send the number to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

The Snakes and Ladders park is in Bramley Reserve along the Rotary walkway, you can walk, bike or skate the 5km loop along the Tamaki Estuary and through residential neighbourhoods. When we're not out caching we like to play board games, so of course we had to include the snakes and ladders park in the fun category! We've rolled the dice for you - start at the beginning (remember not to start directly on the #1, just before it) and follow the rolls to the end.

Task 2 - On the nearby sign find the following information: it takes 30 minutes to walk from here to?? Send us the answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 3 - Post a photo of you or your caching name with the wooden dice in view and post with your log.

Manukau Heads Lighthouse was New Zealand’s 12th lighthouse and the first to burn paraffin when lit in 1874. During the following 112 years it was illuminated by oil vapor, acetylene gas, and electricity. It was rebuilt in 1944 on a concrete base and officially retired in 1986, when all lantern parts were placed in storage. In 2006 the lantern and prisms were reunited in a timber replica of the original tower in it's current location (almost 1 kilometer north of original site). It reopened as a non-working visitor experience with a symbolic relighting 132 years and 23 days from the date of inauguration.

Task 1 - Go to the lookout at S37 03.055 E174 32.700 and take a photo of yourself or caching name with either the lighthouse or Manukau Heads in the background and post with your log.

Task 2 - Close to S37 03.045 E174 32.721 you will find an information board called 'Geographic Surprises', what are the 3 layers under 'Shell beds' to be found at this site? Send answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

*Task 3 - At S37 02.960 E174 32.931 there is a large wooden sculpture with tohu (carved images) depicting the people of the area. On the back of the sculpture are 2 green wings that hold the cross members and join the 3 sections together. Each of the wings has a twin circular pattern cut into it, how many holes have been cut to make up this pattern? Note: it is the same number for both the left and right sides. Send answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log

We have enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, hiking, observing wildlife and of course caching on many of the beautiful islands in the Auckland area. We chose to include Kawau because it incorporates all these activities beautifully and is easily accessible year-round. Kawau Island is named after the Kawau Paka – the white throated cormorant which breeds here on the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. The island was purchased by Sir George Grey in 1862 for his home and he introduced many exotic plant and animal species which changed the area considerably. If you’re feeling like a longer walk - ask to be let off at Schoolhouse bay and hike across the island for pick up at Mansion house. We hope you’ll enjoy your island adventure!

*Task 1 - From the Mansion House at S36 25.818 E174 49.131, count how many Phoenix palms are planted along beach front and driveway of the Mansion House grounds. Send answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 2 - In the gazebo at S36 25.876 E174 49.139 there are many information boards about the Mansion House, governor, mine and local plants and animals - take time to read them, they contain a lot of interesting pieces about the history of the island. One of the boards is titled 'WILDLIFE' - in the second paragraph, what four types of animals were brought to the island and what was the last one used for? Send answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 3 - What is the name and age of the person buried in the grave that is furthest from the entrance track to the cemetery at S36 25.922 E174 49.770. Send answer to the cache owner - do not post with your log.

Task 4 - Take a picture of yourself or caching name in front of the old copper mine entrance at S36 26.340 E174 49.810 and post with your log.

We are fortunate to have so many regional parks to visit within the Auckland region! Waitawa was planned and developed with outdoor activities, exercise and fun in mind. The scenic loop track with it’s stunning views takes you through parkland, regenerating coastal bush and wetland environments. Waitawa is of great importance to Māori as it is located upon a traditional boundary line between Te Urikaraka (Ngāti Paoa) and Ngāti Kohua (Ngai Tai / Te Waiohua). The area has a long and rich history of human occupation, which is reflected in the numerous archaeological sites in the park.

NOTE: The road down to the wharf parking area is currently closed due to construction, however you can still walk there via the paths. Please plan accordingly.

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.