This series consists of:
Georgio lupi
You may not have heard of ‘George’, as he was known, but in 2003 he received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy. That’s the equivalent of a knighthood, and it recognised his contribution to Italian culture in New Zealand.
George grew up in Venice and moved to NZ in 1951. He was learned and cultured, with a distinguished appearance, even lordly, if with a rangy look and a rustic twist. George loved the outdoors and gave private lessons in Italian, worked from home as a translator for the Department of Internal Affairs, acted as an interpreter when Italian trade missions visited and wrote articles for the Italian magazine, Laniera.
In the 1970s, he tutored in Italian at Victoria University. There, with his appealing Venetian lilt, he was responsible for oral tutorials and producing language tapes. In the 1980s, he spent a year working at the Italian Embassy, compiling a regular bulletin.
His family had the monopoly on his time and heart, and Giorgio felt crushed by grief after the death of his 17-year-old son, Valerian, whose motorbike collided with a truck on the motorway in 1995. George lived here in Pinehaven for many years, planting trees and enjoying the natural environment. As you approach this cache you’ll pass a touching memorial (on your left) to George, amongst the trees he loved.
Viva l'Italia!
The Hidden Way
The Hidden Way track is a bit of a gem as it sidles around the contours of a hill amongst pines and native regrowth. Glimpses of the valley floor are snatched here and there along the trail. It's little known but well maintained by a few in-the-know locals.
Getting there
Park at the top of Duncraig Street and climb the stiff hill to the A better route cache. Further up the sealed access road lies the entrance to The Hidden Way. To find it look for an old pine tree on the right, in view of the Water tanks by Climb Time. Skirt the gnarly trunk and begin the short trek to George Lupi: OMRI.
Please make sure the cache is well hidden to avoid inadvertent muggling. If you continue along The Hidden Way you will soon encounter The Hidden Way: Pines and Needles cache.