Waipapa Point (southland) Traditional Geocache
Waipapa Point (southland)
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Size: 
(small)
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Waipapa Point marks the scene of New Zealand's worst shipwreck. On 29 April 1881, 131 people were drowned when the passenger steamer Tararua was wrecked on a reef off the point. Tararua was on one of its regular trips between Otago and Melbourne, via Bluff.
"A particularly heavy sea swept over the forepart, and nearly a score of people were washed overboard. Only one person, the chief cook, succeeded in reaching the shore safely, after making a gallant but unsuccessful attempt to save a lady passenger. Towards evening those still surviving were forced to take refuge in the rigging and on one occasion were heard cheering by those on shore; it was supposed at the sight of the steamer Kahanui steaming from the Bluff. Up till 11pm lights in the rigging were occasionally seen, as though matches were being burned. At 2.35am on April 30 the closing tragedy in the disaster occurred. Those on the beach heard the piercing shrieks from the doomed people on the Tararua, and a voice, said to be that of the captain, calling for a boat, which could not be sent, as the Chief Officer's boat was damaged when it capsized, and could not be repaired. At daybreak the steamer had sunk almost out of sight, and bodies were coming ashore."
After the shipwreck a Court of Inquiry, investigating the loss of the Tararua, recommended a light be erected on the point. A light was ordered from England immediately, and work began on building the wooden tower and houses for three keepers and their families. It was the second to last wooden lighthouse tower built in New Zealand. The light was lit for the first time on New Year's Day in 1884.
Two other recommendations submitted by the Court of Inquiry were put into effect, marking an important turning point in New Zealand's maritime safety procedures. From 1882, lifebelts had to be provided for every person on board a ship, and crews were to regularly practice life-boat evacuation procedures.
Not far from the tower is a small plot of land known as the Tararua Acre. It is here that the 64 bodies recovered from the wreck are buried.
Container is 1 litre sistema painted green hidden at ground level and contains trade items.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ng onfr bs pbapergr cbfg