Forgotten? (Auckland) Traditional Cache
Nedd: Closing this off to respect the Waitakere rahui placed to limit the spread of Kauri die back disease
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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I came across a forgotten old Waitakere track recently while doing a hike incorporating part of the Nihotupu bush tramway, which passes through a few tunnels. These tunnels are not permissible for entry by walkers as they are still in use by a mini passenger train and and are therefore very dangerous. However, the two tunnels between Greenwoods corner and the Slip track can be bypassed fairly easily, as I found.
The Mark Rush Tunnel is about 50m long, and the bypass track is obvious. However the Wages tunnel is 400 metres in length and the 'forgotten' bypass track is considerably longer, extending south and back on a spur and following a constant elevation or contour of about 170m, and taking about 40 minutes to negotiate through luxuriant rainforest.
While the track is not maintained, it would seem enough people still use it to keep it from being totally overgrown, and followed easily enough by the average tramper with bush experience. It also appears to be the route of a very old pipeline, traces of which can still be seen in places. You won't find this track on any maps I know of, but the starting points are close to the tunnel entrances. Coordinates are listed below, and a tracklog image is attached.
So to encourage a bit of adventure, I've placed a cache about halfway along it, about 25 metres from the southernmost point, which is on a definite 'corner' where the track is quite broad.
Note that GPS reception in the bush will require a high sensitivity device to operate reliably. Please don't attempt this cache without some experience in finding your way in New Zealand bush.
For a quick dash to the cache and back, start from Greenwoods corner on the Scenic Drive, following the rails eastward. About 1 hour total walking. If your bypass involves climbing a hill, you're on the wrong track!
To do the full bypass track without backtracking, a loop incorporating the Incline track, Hamilton track, Pipeline track and Slip track is recommended. Be prepared for considerable changes in elevation!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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