After the earthquake and continuing aftershocks, the track approaching this cache had been closed due to rockfall danger, but is now "open for business", as most of the rocks that will move have already done so.
Nevertheless, you approach this cache at your own discretion.
Drive onto the Summit Road and stop at the carpark at S 43° 35.677 E 172° 40.453 Walk 5 minutes east on the MTB trail to a waypoint spot S43 35.545 E 172 40.699 and from there you can climb Witch Hill in reasonable safety.
This approach will lead you up grassy ledges to the North of the rocky peak (ie. slopes looking towards the central city). Have a rest on what is left of the seat. Up here, there will be plenty of sky around for you to see all the satellites. Please ensure that after you replace the cache in the same position, you also replace the pieces of stone and shrubbery to hide it from muggles and vandals
Beware: There are steep rocky cliffs all around this cache site - always be aware of your footing - particularly in windy conditions. Be wary of any loose rocks. Don't try climbing this hill in jandals!!
The cache can be found while standing on stable ground - you don't have to climb around the cliffs.
When replacing the cache, please ensure it is upright.
The cache (200ml ) contains: Logbook, pencil, sharpener.
Earthquake News The original cache was destroyed by the earthquake. While most of Witch Hill is a solid stable lump of andesite, there are a number of "floater" boulders around, and many of these tumbled down with the 22 Feb earthquake. The one that had sheltered the cache-box, to the south of the smashed seat, had moved a metre or so, and I suspect the old box is still there flattened underneath it. This boulder and others just above it still look rather unstable, so don't go near them. The cache is now to the north of the old seat. The memorial seat on Witch Hill needs a red sticker - it has been shattered, and will need demolition and rebuilding. I'm glad I wasn't sitting on it when the earthquake struck!!