A traditional cache just off the Big Bend trail going up the Orongorongo Valley. This is approximately 2.5 hours from the Catchpool Car Park, so requires a bit of work to get to.
Having made many trips into the Orongorongo Valley, I noted early on about how few caches were actually there. So over the years I have added a number more. On a trip here in 2021 we stayed at Turere Lodge, and had a great time (as we always do in this valley). In looking at the map while there, I noticed that there were no caches anywhere nearby, so time to put a new one!
Turere Lodge was built in 2011, on the site of the original Khandallah Scouts Hut, affectionately known as "Bure Labasa" (meaning Hidden Hut). The original was built in 1966, and the site was given to DOC to make way for this new, and very modern, hut. Cookware, gas stoves and mattresses are provided, and there is an excellent woodburner, with a large wood storage shed nearby. Two outdoor long-drops, picnic tables, and 4 separate rooms with 8 bunks each make this the largest hut in the valley. The hut, like all of the DOC huts, must be booked in advance through DOC's website. Note that if you want a weekend booking you must plan well in advance! Also note that river access is 500 metres further up the trail, as the hut is situated on a piece of flat land well above the river itself.
The lodge is located at the northern edge of the Kiwi zone. This means that all dogs must be on leash and under control at all times (note that dogs are NOT allowed in the huts at any time). But it also means that you are quite likely going to hear Kiwi at night, which we certainly did! As well as Ruru (Morepork) and Possums too.
The cache is a snaplock container with a logbook. Bring your own writing implement. Any online logs that do not correspond to the log book will be deleted. You do NOT need to be staying at the hut in order to access the cache.