If there is one thing that the last couple of years has showed me it's that it is great to be outdoors exploring the countryside we have on our doorstep.
This occasional series of 'The Great Outdoors' caches intends to highlight some of the the places I have wandered and enjoyed where I thought a cache placement might be nice. They are unlikely to be park and grabs and may require a long day walk or an overnight stop, so plan accordingly!
My walk along the Paparoa Track - New Zealand's newest Great Walk - is DOC's first purpose built track designed for both trampers and mountain bikers.
Winding from Blackball to Punakaiki through Paparoa National Park's spectacular karst landscapes and beech and podocarp forest, the Moonlight Tops Hut is a welcome stop, not just for the views, but also for lunch - if you've come the 9km (3 hours walking) from Ces Clark Hut - or for dinner and a good rest if you come 19km straight from the Blackball trailhead, which was my original plan.
However, my day 1 leg was cut short at the Ces Clark hut due to persistent rain all day and official warnings of 250mm rain and strong winds during the day.
Taking heed of DOC's advice before and at the Ces Clark Hut, as well as common sense, I opted to cut day 1 short and stay safe, knowing I could turn back if needed. Pushing on would have taken my along the most exposed part of the track during what might have been the worst of the weather. Not a good choice.
So, well-rested, I set off on day two endeavouring to make up for lost time aiming for my planned overnight at Pororari Hut - a distance of 31km - which, in hindsight, was a ambitious slog but with far better weather was a reasonable choice.
Despite the low cloud and mist blocking out long-distance views I was able to get a sense of the area and some of its majesty when a stopped at the nearby hut for lunch.
This hide is not at the hut though. It's a wee walk further on (from the Blackball end) but still close enough for a quick wander if you are staying at the hut itself. There weren't too many sensible hiding options but check out the hint if you need,
Please, when you are rehiding the container, put the stone back on top to hold it in place and also dissause the wildlife.
Make it a safe trip
DoC list five essential steps for staying safe in the outdoors so you can have a great trip.
- Choose the right trip for you Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weatherIt can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
- Take care of yourself and each other Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.