The Cache
The cache is placed just off the Western Lake road but can be safely accessed from the car park area at the scenic reserve beside the lake. Park at the reserve and wander back to the cache less than 50m away. The cache is hidden just a few metres from the access road into the reserve so be mindful of any cars suddenly pulling in off the main road, especially if you have young children. You do need to enter the bush to reach the cache. By a large fallen log and is a standard plastic household container. Please cover well with natural camo after you have finished.
About Wairarapa Moana
Lake Wairarapa is the third largest lake in the North Island, similar in size to Lake Rotorua. It represents the largest remaining wetland complex in the southern North Island. The lake was declared a Ramsar Site in August 2020, marking its status as a wetland of international significance.
Cultural history
Wairarapa Moana, meaning “sea of glistening water” in the Māori language, is a culturally significant wetland. The significance stems from its history as an indigenous settlement and rich fishing ground, in particular for freshwater eel (tuna), which could be preserved and therefore traded. The ownership of the lake and surrounding lands was contested between two tribal authorities. Both Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne claimed ownership and have been given authority over the lake through their negotiations with the Crown in Treaty of Waitangi settlements. The lake will be managed by a 10-member board called the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board and five representatives are iwi. Four will be Ngāti Kahungunu and one will be from the Tu Mai Ra Trust, which is Rāngitāne.
Ecological values
Lake Wairarapa has a diverse range of ecological values despite its current degraded state due to farm run off and nutrient loadings. The lake is surrounded by a diverse range of wetland environments including freshwater swamps and marshes at Boggy Pond, and an estuarine lake (Lake Onoke), in its direct flow out zone. Spring-fed rivers and streams flow into the lake from the Remutaka and Tararua Ranges and these provide habitats for a wide range of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, terns and rare species such as bitterns and crakes. More than 50 rare and threatened species are found in or around this site. Many are also endemic, including the endangered New Zealand longfin eel (tuna) and the vulnerable torrent fish (panoko). Gamebirds such as mallard duck, black swans and Canada geese are common on the lake. Royal spoonbill nest at Boggy Pond and forage in the lake catching juvenile fish.
Management issues
Nutrient accumulation within the waterways from the surrounding pastoral land uses in the catchment is the one of the major ongoing threats to the lake and gives the lake its supertrophic status (saturated in phosphorous and nitrogen). Invasive species of weeds, animal pests and earthquakes in this active tectonic zone all represent significant threats to this moana. Lake Wairarapa and the surrounding wetlands are nonetheless highly significant for species conservation, and retain a high degree of natural character, as well as important cultural heritage, and recreation values. The new Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board will be working with regional authorities, landowners, iwi and community groups to find solutions to managing the lake including setting optimal water levels, reducing nutrient loadings and restoration plantings around the shoreline to restore the mauri of this important moana. Geocachers can help protect the integrity of the lake by removing any trash they find near the shoreline and stop any plastic debris blowing into the lake.