Roberton Island (Bay of Islands) Traditional Cache
Roberton Island (Bay of Islands)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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Roberton Island, also known as Motuarohia is another in the seat series by Russell School. You'll need a boat to get there. I usually kayak from Tapeka Point to the island in under an hour, unless I meet the dolphins, and then I may not even get there at all! If you have time, carry on to Moturua Island for more caches.
NOTE: The cache went missing again, so have relocated, hopefully to a safer place. If it goes missing again, and you can not find it, let me know by email what year Mr Clayton was born. (No logs with the answer in please). Motuarohia/Roberton Island See also: Historic Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve Introduction Motuarohia/Roberton Island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, an educational underwater trail for snorkellers, and water skiing. Location Motuarohia/Roberton Island is an island in the Bay of Islands on Northland's east coast. Getting there Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia/Roberton Island, distinguished by its two glorious lagoons - the most photographed scene in the Bay. Features Historic heritage Motuarohia Island features a number of archaeological sites including pa, terraces, pits, and gardening lines around the central lagoon area. Cook visited Motuarohia anchoring off Cook’s Cove in 1769. In 1839, Motuarohia became known as Roberton Island. A sad story of death and retribution surrounding Roberton’s family ensued and led to the first prosecution of an individual under New Zealand colonial law and is an important part of the history of the island and the nation. Natural features Topography The topography of Motuarohia ranges from steep coastal cliffs which face the open sea to the north and west, with headlands dissected by moderately steep gullies on its southern side. Flat lat surrounds a lagoon area on the southern side of Motuarohia. Vegetation Vegetation consisits of kikuyu grass flats, kanuka/native shrub hardwood forest and extensive stands of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) with a regenerating understorey of native shrub hardwoods which are mainly hangehange and coprosoma spp. Coastal cliff communities are extensive with pohutukawa and the coastal tussock (Chionachloa bromoides). Stands of maritime pine were originally grown for the extraction of turpentine. Extensive planting of native coastal species has resulted in native forest regeneration in areas of felled to waste pine forest on the western end of the island. Conservation North Island brown kiwi number approximately 40 birds estimated post a survey in April 2006 (R. Colbourne 2006). Dotterel nest protection is undertaken during the breeding season. Habitation There is permanent habitation in at least one of the 9 dwellings on private land and there are multiple ancillary buildings. Public conservation land: Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve 19.488 ha Private land 43.914 ha Total Area: 63.402 Activities There is good beach access to the centre of the island and a DOC walking track to a prominent pa site caters for large number of day visitors. In the summer months interpretation is installed in the lagoon for an underwater snorkel trail. Activities Diving/snorkelling Sea kayaking
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq gbc fgrc.