Otawa Series #3 Ruru (Bay of Plenty) Traditional Cache

Known for its dawn chorus, the New Zealand bush at one time pulsed with the sound of native birds.  Since humans landed on our shores about 800 years ago about 50 species of birds have become extinct.   Our forests are falling silent as introduced pests eat our native birds’ eggs and chicks, and the plants, seeds and fruit they need to survive. 

Often heard in the forest at dusk and throughout the night, the morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) is known for its haunting, melancholic call. Its Maori name, ruru, reflects this call.

In Māori tradition the morepork was seen as a watchful guardian. It belonged to the spirit world as it is a bird of the night. Although the more-pork or ruru call was thought to be a good sign, the high pitched, piercing, ‘yelp’ call was thought to be an ominous forewarning of bad news or events.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/native-animals/birds/bird-song/morepork-song.mp3

The series may be started from either Te Puke Quarry Road, or Manoeka Road. It is a 10 kilometre walk between these points, and the Department of Conservation signs advise it is likely to take 4 ½ hours from Te Puke Quarry Road to Manoeka Road via Otawa Trig. Starting from Te Puke Quarry Road reduces the climbing required significantly!

Between #3 and #1 (gateway) are a couple of small loop trails. Take the left trails if heading down towards Te Puke Quarry Road, or the right Trails if heading up towards the trig.

Alternatively, you could start at either car park, walk to Otawa Trig and return to your vehicle. Finding most of the caches 1-5 or 5-9 will give you the co-ordinates to find the bonus cache.

Gateway #1, #2 Kereru, #3 Ruru, #4 Karearea, #5 Tauhou,

OR

#5 Tauhou, #6 Toutouwai, #7 Kiwi, #8 Piwakawaka, #9 Tui

If you have family collecting and/or dropping you off, they may enjoy these nearby caches:

http://coord.info/GC41PK6

http://coord.info/GC40BND

Coordinates have been averaged over multiple visits but may not be exact due to the landscape and surrounding trees.  The caches have been placed out of sight but not requiring rummaging around in leaf litter.  BYOP.

Know before you go

*Ensure you have strong, comfortable shoes, a good raincoat, warm clothing, cellphone, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. Topo map strongly advised. 

*Leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.  

*Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. 

*Stay on the trail marked with orange triangles – if you haven’t seen a marker in 20metres, backtrack to the last one you saw. 

*Hunters may be active in this area, wear high-vis clothing. 

*A good GPS is required rather than a phone.