Kopuwai Teviot Valley Community, South Island, New Zealand
By U.N.C.L.E. on 04-Jan-22. Waypoint GA26005

This cache is on Waikaia Bush Road. 

If the road name Waikaia Bush Road seems familiar to you then it may be because this is the road that got a lot of national media attention in 2016 when a convoy of 4WDs got trapped in the snow, necessitating a huge rescue effort.

And with that in mind please heed these warnings:  this is typical Central Otago high country. It is subject to extremes of weather (searing heat and freezing cold) that is utterly unpredictable. The road climbs to 1366m above sea level. When this cache was placed in late December there were still pockets of snow along the track and plenty of mudholes.  This is a 4WD track ONLY (and by 4WD think Land Rover and Landcruiser rather than Subaru, RAV4 or CRV!).  Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by the fact the road starts out in good condition. After just a few kilometres it deteriorates significantly.  4WD guide books recommend travelling this route with more than one vehicle in case recovery of a stuck vehicle is needed. If you plan to explore the various tracks in this area you should consult a reputable up-to-date 4WD guide book for information. Waikaia Bush Road partly traverses DOC reserve and information on the current condition of the track should be available from the local DOC office. The track is suitable for dirtbikes on full knobbly tyres. Adventure-style motorcycles on dual-purpose tyres NOT recommended.  These are legal roads so all vehicles must be registered and have a current WOF and drivers/riders must be licensed.  Please observe the usual ettiquette for off-road driving/riding and please don't ruin it for responsible users.  Mountainbikes fine.  Be aware that track conditions can change quickly so do not take too much notice of a log from weeks or months ago that says the track is fine- expect the worst. Tell a responsible person where you are going, your route and when to expect you back.  Ensure you have everything necessary to be safe if it all goes wrong.

The road is closed by the local council during winter.

The track deteriorates noticeably beyond this cache. If the trip up to here has left you with a few grey hairs then you may wish to head back down now.

Cache is a black bison tube.

The track running off along the fenceline to the south is the Southern Old Man Range track.

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