An ancient volcano protected by the longest pest-proof fence in the world, Maungatautari (Sanctuary Mountain) is as close to the pre-human New Zealand environment as it’s possible to find.
This ancient eco-system has been recognised as a reserve since 1912 and is considered an ecological island. In an ambitious conservation project local iwi, landowners, the community, both government and non-government entities work together to protect this precious environment. They shared a vision to restore a healthy diversity of indigenous plants and animals to the forest and ensure the longevity and well-being of all that exists on this maunga.
The fence, stretching 47KM around its perimeter covers 3,400 hectares. It was completed in 2006 and runs through some extremely steep terrain, crossing 42 streams. It is designed to exclude pests, pets and livestock from getting over, under or through it and has specially designed water gates allowing for the movement of water and freshwater wildlife, including fish tunnels to allow large fish to move freely past the gates. An electronic surveillance system operates 24 hours per day to detect fence breaches.
While the sanctuary was being developed, some elements of the diversity on Maungatautari took scientists by surprise. In December 2004, a rare discovery of a small population of endangered Hochstetter's frogs (pepeketua) were found living on Maungatautari in a rocky region and in 2006 100 tawai (silver beech trees native to southern NZ) were discovered. The largest of the trees were estimated to be several centuries old and caused considerable excitement in the botanical community, not only for the trees themselves but also for the insects and fungi they would host.
In this āhuru mōwai (safe haven) some of New Zealand’s most endangered species have been reintroduced, from bats (pekapeka) and frogs to reptiles, tuatara and giant weta. Of course, many species of birds thrive here as well including the stitchbird (hihi) (nationally endangered), takahē (nationally critical), the kākā and the North Island brown kiwi which are both nationally vulnerable
This amazing environmental and wildlife conservation project began with a dream to protect the plant and animal species living here. The flora and fauna continue to flourish within this protected ecological island and inspire kaitiakitanga (conservation, guardianship & protection) of the maunga (mountain).
Tēnei te mihi nui ki (many thanks to) Sanctuary Mountain Trust for the permission to place this cache.
Please note - Cachers are not required enter the Southern enclosure (paid area) of the Sanctuary to find this cache. No dogs are allowed at Maungatautari.
In order to find this cache solve the puzzle below – note: you can click on the birds to hear their calls
The cache can be found at:
South 38 03.pīwakawaka, kiwi, ruru
East 175 33.kōkako, takahē, korimako
The code for the lock is: hihi, tīeke, tauhou, kākā
-- This cache is made from some old boards we had lying around, tiles left over from a backyard project, an abandoned birds nest from the in-laws lemon tree, plastic egg donated by Tinytree and painted with whatever test pots we happened to already have. --
References:
• https://www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz
• https://www.teawamutu.nz/info/attractions/maungatautari
• https://www.naturespace.org.nz/history/history-sanctuary-mountain-maungatautari
• https://www.waikatonz.com/experiences/walking-hiking-trails/sanctuary-mountain-maungatautari