An idyllic spot along this astoundingly scenic road between Queenstown and Glenorchy. The cache is located close to a lakeside layby parking area and is not small. The water is just a few steps away where you can dip your toes in the water, or drink in the wonderful views.
Diagonally across the road from the cache is a very original, quirky art garden at Little Paradise Lodge called Wild Dream Garden created by a Swiss man Thomas Schneider, with water features, sculptures, artwork and very many flowers. You may have noticed that the cache is almost located on the 45th parallel: you will see a couple of interesting markers in the art garden to indicate the exact location of the 45th parallel. It is well worth a visit if you have the time but note that there is an entry fee. The cache is not located in the garden, but nearby to show you the way.
The New Zealand Herald reported that with his philosophy of being in harmony with nature, Schneider has turned this ordinary farmhouse, originally the Mt Creighton Station homestead, with its white plaster walls and corrugated iron roof, into a unique place. Trained as a forester in Switzerland, he took on this weedy, stoat-ridden 2ha property 20 years ago and transformed it. Schneider collects the materials around him, flat schist pebbles and driftwood from the lakeshore, flax and gum tree bark, pine cones, moss, to add interest to every surface.
Note that sandflies are often present at this end of the lake, so pack your insect repellent.
Please treat the cache carefully and replace as found.
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On Labour Weekend 2024 (26-27 October), Dunedin will be hosting the next large gathering of geocachers in New Zealand. It's going to be an exciting opportunity for all geocachers to come together, learn and find more geocaches. Go to GCA7ZHD for more information and to register your intention to attend.
