Geocaching adventure in Whirinaki

Date:  03 April 2013

To celebrate Whio Awareness Month which was celebrated in March 2013, a new and exciting geocache challenge awaits those that visit Whirinaki. 

Whirinaki Forest Park is world renowned as an excellent example of New Zealand native forest. It is a place full of lush green ferns, giant podocarp trees and rushing forest streams. The area remains virtually unchanged since the age of the dinosaurs and offers visitors the opportunity to explore a landscape unlike any other. 

To celebrate Whio Awareness Month, which was celebrated in March 2013, a new and exciting challenge awaits those that visit Whirinaki.  

Geocaching enables those equipped with a GPS device (Global Positioning System) to hide and seek containers or “caches”. One such cache can now be found hidden within the undergrowth of Whirinaki and offers the opportunity for those who attempt to seek it a journey through a remarkable forest.

Geocaching is a relatively new outdoors activity; the first cache was placed on 3 May 2000 just outside Portland in North America and was found 3 days later. From these humble beginnings geocaching has evolved into a truly global sport.

There are various types of cache which cater for everyone; some require a high level of fitness, some require a degree of lateral thinking whilst some require visiting multiple “way points” before delivering you to the final cache. Whatever your preferences are in life there is sure to be a challenge out there which will appeal to you.

The Whirinaki challenge takes the form of a multi-cache and is a fun and informative adventure suitable for all the family. A series of way points will have you exploring different elements of the forest before you locate the final prize. Everyone who completes this challenge by 5 May 2013 will have the opportunity to go into a draw to win one of 5 spot prizes. Details of how to enter the draw can be found inside the cache!

To find details about the Whirinaki geocache go to Whirinaki Wanderings on the geocaching website. There you will find all the information you need to get started. You can also find details by visiting the Murupara Visitor Centre.

As well as playing host to the geocache challenge Whirinaki is a place enjoyed by trampers and mountain bikers alike with a variety of trails that cater for all abilities. Whatever you do over the next month, make sure you plan a trip to this beautiful forest to either refresh your soul and senses or to enjoy one of the many outdoor activities that the park has to offer.

Related link

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park

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