Maungakawa Trig (Waikato) Richmond Downs, North Island, New Zealand
By pbslost on 24-Mar-09. Waypoint GC1P35T

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Great walk up with another couple. We searched and we searched, but still nothing. Maybe next time.

Had a good rummage around but unsuccessful

Searched all around and found a couple of likely spots that matched the hint and other activity but no sign of any cache.

Nice walk up here on Waitangi Day. No sign of cache so have replaced it.

Nice walk and nice lookout, but not found.

TFTC,
Jabi10 (M)

This cache had been on my radar to do for a long time, then got a message from Squirrel Nutcase that he had ventured up to do this cache and found it. So on my return journey the next day from Auckland thought I should also go find it. Fortunate I was given fresh information on the best way to get to GZ and cache location. Lonely up here today but a great view. I then promptly forgot to log this old find which I actually found on the 3rd March 2019. SLTFTC

We enjoyed the walk up to the top, bit rough in spots but a good challenge. Did the anticlockwise loop as recommended and had lunch at the top as we searched for the cache.

Like the two cachers the day before, we were unsuccessful. Based on other logs, I assume it's somewhere in the grass perhaps, but not in a spot we could find.

Very quiet area of bush, little to no birdsong, and not many people on the day we visited.

Can see this Maunga from my house and it has long been on my to do list. Today was the day. Son and I finally ticked it off. Winding around the country roads despite it looking quite close from Matamata it is quite a way. We took the direct route as it was later in the day. Just the last bit was a bit tough. For a track that is a little out of the way it was quite busy. A group were departing as we arrived and as we were decending 2 more groups were going up. Searched high and low and on the ground for quite some time and declear it gone. It has been some time that the cache was last seen. Have to tackle it again another time.

We had a quick look but the kids were absolutely buggered and we were running out of light to get down! Will definitely be back to try and find this one

Was up here with a group of kids who were interested in what a geocache looked like. Since it has moved since I was last here we had a small hunt for the cache. We found it on the grass so have replaced in a spot that matched the hint item (a bit of a stretch for me!)

The walk was recommended by a friend and the added bonus was the cache. Luckily we had a tall person to help reach it TFTC

Flying solo today...

It took a lot of driving around to find my way to the car park. By the time I arrived, it was already mid afternoon. I hadn’t planned on doing a big walk. So when I saw the sign suggesting a 2-3 hour walk, I was already trying to talk myself out of it... I pushed through the apprehension and discovered the alternative 1 hour approach... Let’s go for that one.

The initial trek was pleasant - an easy gradient on a well tramped path. There were so many trail markers, and no chance of getting lost. The only downside was the masses of tree roots running through sections of the track. About half-way along, I met a small walking party of four... We remarked on the absence of birdsong.

At around 900 metres from the top, the track climbed through a narrow ridge. After such a gentle climb, this signalled the beginning of the burn... With about 400 metres to go, the track climbed abruptly, with a short, sharp push to the top... And the viewing platform was the reward at the end.

The cache was a quick find from below. It hangs in its spot quite precariously. I needed a tool to retrieve it - yes, the container is punctured by bite marks. But the log is fine and dry... After completing the business, it was a joy to walk onto the platform and enjoy the expansive views. We have had a very dry summer, and the surrounding landscape is burnt and brown...

The walk downhill was enjoyable and cool. A nice little adventure to take in an afternoon. TFTC.

Flying solo today...

It took a lot of driving around to find my way to the car park. By the time I arrived, it was already mid afternoon. I hadn’t planned on doing a big walk. So when I saw the sign suggesting a 2-3 hour walk, I was already trying to talk myself out of it... I pushed through the apprehension and discovered the alternative 1 hour approach... Let’s go for that one.

The initial trek was pleasant - an easy gradient on a well tramped path. There were so many trail markers, and no chance of getting lost. The only downside was the masses of tree roots running through sections of the track. About half-way along, I met a small walking party of four... We remarked on the absence of birdsong.

At around 900 metres from the top, the track climbed through a narrow ridge. After such a gentle climb, this signalled the beginning of the burn... With about 400 metres to go, the track climbed abruptly, with a short, sharp push to the top... And the viewing platform was the reward at the end.

The cache was a quick find from below. It hangs in its spot quite precariously. I needed a tool to retrieve it - yes, the container is punctured by bite marks. But the log is fine and dry... After completing the business, it was a joy to walk onto the platform and enjoy the expansive views. We have had a very dry summer, and the surrounding landscape is burnt and brown...

The walk downhill was enjoyable and cool. A nice little adventure to take in an afternoon. TFTC.

It took a but of hunting to find but I eventually found it where it had fallen. Some little pest ie mouse has taken an interest in the container but as no food was to be found then it has obviously given up on its quest.
A lovely walk up the more direct route and I'm now heading down the longer route for a leisurely stroll. Cache placed back where I assume it came from so hopefully it stays there un harassed by another critter.

Took the short route up to the lookout. Saw the cache from the bottom so approached it from the top, as i leaned over the edge i saw a pair of eyes looking back at me, it was a forest gecko! A great unexpected encounter so thanks for the cache placement, would never have seen this awesome creature. Took the long track back down and it had a few fallen BIG trees over the path. [8]

Coordinates changed and cache replaced.

Me and a mate had a look and no luck . Found it years back but nothing stands out

Nice fine day after a lot of recent rain so thought this cache would give us a chance of a tramp, picnic and cache, what a great way to spend mothers day. We located the obvious place quickly, but after spending 30 or 40 mins checking and rechecking , scraping and digging likely places as per the hint, came up empty. Checked with 2 recent cachers that we were in the right spot, but it eluded us.
will keep an eye on this for any developments.

For 2017 we have a goal to climb 17 summits, so thought we should pick up some geocaches at the same time (haven't done much in the last few years). Unfortunately at the top we couldn't get a good satellite reading and so needed to search a large area and were then hindered by some muggles who arrived at the summit shortly after us. So may have to come back for another attempt.
This is a lovely piece of bush and definitely worth a revisit, it is not a place I would have found without the geocache, so thank you for bringing me to this site.

2592 After getting the nearby cache "Im not lost" decided to stop for this one. Much more of a walk but at least there was a track to follow. Went up the direct route which was not too steep. Except for the last 300m. Cache soon in hand and then back down after a drink and muesli bar. Started to rain on the way back but the tree canopy kept me dry.

Nice day for a stroll up the hill with our little 4yr old. Awesome view from the tower. Easy find thanks.

Needed to get out and get up a hill so eyed up some local peaks that I had yet to grab. This fitted the bill nicely, not too strenuous, but just enough to give me a bit of a workout.

As I ventured down the gravel road, a farmer was shifting their cows along the road. Had to wait for them to pass by before I could venture on closer to the carpark. The cache was so close... yet so far up there!

Parked the car and set off, took the 1 hours option to try and make it quicker although maybe I should have taken the long slog as it was quite muddy and slippery in spots. Still had a blast and enjoyed some very nice bird life for company. Including a friendly wee fantail who followed me for quite a distance and was darting so close to me, it touched me! Also spotted quite a few interesting specimens of fungi on the way. Took my time to the time and enjoyed the trip. Oh and also to catch my breath on that last steep slog to the top! Enjoyed some great views from the lookout tower and had a hot cuppa up there before the wind got too much and I came down to eat and search for the cache.

I initially overlooked the spot and searched every other option and made it a lot harder than I should have. Should have stopped and looked at the obvious! Tipped the water out of the cache and signed the log before returning down the steep, slippery way.

A nice little walk that was just perfect for today. Not too long, not to short, just perfect. Great weather to boot. On to the next one!

We were on a motorhome trip around the North Island and enjoyed this short walk. Hadn't really thought of Geocaching today but thanks to mobile technology we managed to snare this one. Tucked away safe and sound. TFTC

All good

Found while tramping up to the trig and down other side.
The Day was fine and hot. Had lunch under the platform.

TFTC 100% Braeburn!

Nice day nice walk nice cache shame can't see our house just blocked from view from some trees

Found with jacksprat! Tftc learn something everyday, today was that bushmans toilet paper has the Maori name rangiora! Good walk to the top

Good workout going the long way up. Found cache after a wee search it was well hidden. TFCT

This entry was edited by cosclan on Friday, 03 January 2014 at 08:30:59 UTC.

A bit of a misty view today, but a nice track up to the top with fellow trampers. The good clue led to an easy find and much amazement by some members of the Hikoi group... Geo what???
Cache in good condition. TFTC

TFTC
Lucky with the weather.
Fantastic blue sky.

Really enjoyed this walk up and the view from the platform - a fav for me, TFTC

Timed myself to the top, as the sign looked like it was a bit on the generous side. Got to the top in 35mins, and that was at a fast walk, so maybe it's closer than first thought. Got a few snaps at the top while I caught my breath, before I went off to get the cache.

Ran back down, but about half way caught a root wrong and dam it, sprained ankle, so slow trip back to the car from then on, with a few naughty words when my ankle went the wrong way. Would of made it back down in about 10-15 mins, so would of done the whole trip in under a hour, but took closer to a hour and a half with the injury.

Finally got back to do this one - very warm walk today. I had forgotten about the good sharp uphill bit to the trig. Great to see the new structure - as I remember the old one was a bit rickerty - Cache quickly hand and then a good drink and then back down - Lovely bush TFTC

Enjoyed reading recent logs for this cache before setting off but then couldn't get Proclaimers out of my head the whole way up! A lovely walk, great birdsong this morning, cache all good, TFTC

We walked up and back the long way to lessen the stress on aging lungs and knees. The whopping great viewing platform came as a surprise as we were expecting a trig beacon.
+ a marble and Heligan Compass TB

Took a while to find this...not sure why really, sometimes looking too hard does not help!...great walk and views!...TFTC

Took my boys out for a bush-bash for the afternoon, and found the GC at the top. Unfortunately managed to lose pen (phone, knife, and other bits) on way up so no signature in the logs.

It took a reasonable search to find the GC, and one of the boys finally came up trumps. I did not find the co-ords to be bang on, and that combined with the clue being a bit inaccurate now made it a challenge. For future searchers who wish to refer to the hint, I would suggest ignoring the reference to the R and instead focus on locating the GC nestled in at the base of a group of P.

Thanks for getting this one up and running again.

I have all day to make it to Auckland, so I took the dog on a geocaching adventure. This was our second cache for the day. They were predicting cold and rain today, but this is the warmest south-easterly I've ever seen for this time of year. And we even got a bit of sunshine!
The problem with volcanic hills is that they get steeper as you get closer to the top, which doesn't help when the legs are starting to get tired! 45m climb today, had a snack at the top and came back the same way. As for the cache, I should have just trusted the GPS instead of looking for a hint object that I didn't know what it looked like. Empty container so added a couple of toys. TFTC

With this nice weather, headed up to check out the new trig.

Have found this cache before work was done on the new trig. Checked out the new cache and placement. Cache in good condition.

Thanks to novalighting for reinstating this cache.
All up and running again.

When I woke up yeah I know I’m gonna be
I’m gonna be the man who goes caching today
When I went out yeah I know I’m gonna be
I’m gonna be the man who goes along C&D

If I get stuck yes I know I’m gonna be
I’m gonna be the man who gets help from C&D
And if I cleaver yeah I know I’m gonna be
I’m gonna be the man who’s cleaver than you

and I had walked 2000 metres
And then I had walked 2000 more
Just to be the man who walked 4000 metres
To replace a cache up at the trig.

When I’m walking all I hear is C&D’s
Huffing and Puffing coming from behind me
And when we get there GZ is so beautiful
we could almost pass out right there on the chair

Now that we got there we replaced the cache
as if it was always there

and I had walked 2000 metres
And then I had walked 2000 more
Just to be the man who walked 4000 metres
To replace a cache up at that trig.

Needless to say the cache has now been replaced and owner contacted regarding placement. Same co-ords.

The two Grand old trig called to the two cachers from Hamilton "here's a cache for you"
He marched them up to the top of the hill (puffing like old Billy goats, or at least that's what they smelled like)
And he marched them down again.
When they were up, they were up (and knackerd)
And when they were down, they were down (pleased to be back)
And when they were only halfway up (they wondered how much further to go)
They were neither up nor down.

The moral of the story is that its all about the journey and signing the Log do thanks for a great walk on a early Spring day, TFTC

Have spoken with CO and Plan on heading up there this weekend to replace as well as place some more in the area.

Disabled.

Forgot to log this when we did this cache a week or so ago.

Had a good look but like those before us there was no sign of the cache Lovely new platform structure though.

See previous two logs. Sorry, but needs checking.

came up here the other day to do the loop and found a brand new tower which is alot bigger than the old one-if the cache was at the same place it was a couple of years ago she be gone -cheers jumboz

After putting in a big effort to get up to the top in 35 mins walking. I was determined to find this one.
After a quick check on google for the hint item. I spent almost an hour of solid searching before finally giving up. Many of the hint items were found and searched under many others around in all directions.
A lot of tree pruning has taken place since last find. The prunings are still partially green. Some of the hint items have been cut off at ground level. Highly suspect gone.

Big of a trek to get to this one. Notices at the entrance to the track says the old trig has been taken down and will be replaced soon, didn't see a ETA on that.

The trig was down around GZ. Took a little to find the cache for that reason.

Should have started out earlier on this one, however managed to get out before it got to dark.

All in all, we got there, found and got out, TFTC.

NO 99 ONE TO GO .DID THESE TWO AFTER GECKOH BUT NOT AS QUICK ???LOL.40 MIN TO THE TOP 40 SEC TO FIND.WENT WITH A HUNCH FIRST WAS CORRECT GPS 24 M OUT TODAY.OR DID SOMETHING WRONG A QUICK FIND ANYWAY TKs

Didn't managed to find this one, but it was a great walk all the same.

About 50 mins to get up to top.
Had to use google when I get there to decipher the clue which helped a lot.
Beut view of Wairere Falls which I'll endeavour to catch with the 480mm zoom on the Lumix FZ35.
45 mins down-had to be careful at top as I had slippery shoes !!
Not too far from my Cache "im Not Lost" there is a story to be told here !!!!!

[This entry was edited by psychrn on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 12:57:38 AM.]

After bagging 'I'm not lost', the Merry Gerblings and I continued on to this one. The quick way was signposted at an hour, but with dragging the chain, it actually took us a bit more than that. Was beginning to start wondering if we were going to have enough daylight to finish this one when the long awaited summit appeared - I don't remember it being this far last time! Fortunately I had done my homework and knew what to look for (once both sets of muggles had left!). Cache found quite quickly (phew!). Nice views up here on a perfect late afternoon - yes Wairere falls easily visible, thanks lostpukeko - the kids were suitably impressed.
The descent was much faster, especially since the kids decided to run down. A lot of fun had by all, with only 6 falls between us on the way down! Although 49er princess found it a long way up, she had so much fun coming down that she wanted to climb back up and do it all again! Can't think of a better way to spend Fathers Day than what we did today - many thanks pbslost.

Been up here once before, but with a cache in place this was worthy of a revisit. Awesome run down, and only fell over once!
OmaGosh, over and out...

It was a long way up, but the run down was so much fun! I fell over tree roots 5 times but would have happily have done it all again! Some funny punga faces on the way back which we only saw because I fell over right next to one. Thanks for the fun!

Nice piece of bush with a good track. Took the 1 hour option - only the last 300m tests the fitness level. Had been here many years ago and walked the full circuit. View was amzing on such a clear day. Wairere Falls visible to the east. .
Thanks.

Great day for a walk in the bush, mind you any day is a great day for walking in the bush. A beautiful patch of native NZ bush and a nice easy climb. Picked up T/B. TFTC.

Great little bush walk in clean fresh greenry! TN + TB on the hunt with Jumboz, Cheers Muzy Man!

MUZZY MAN AND MESELF TOOK THE 1 HOUR STAIGHT UP TRACK WHICH IS RESONABLY EASY WITH A BIT OF A CLIMB AT THE END-EASY DO IT IN UNDER A HOUR-ONCE WE READ THE PREVIOUS LOGS IT ALL CAME CLEAR- ONE OF THE NICEST PATCHES OF BUSH I HAVE WALKED IN WITH ALOT OF NICE GREEN UNDERGROWTH AND GOOD TOP COVER-TNLN

[This entry was edited by JUMBOZ on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:51:32 PM.]

Thought the weather was clearing so headed out with both kids in tow. Half way up the hill the rain started and got heavier from then on. Rather under-prepared with only one raincoat between the three of us but lucky the air temp was reasonably high for this time of year and no wind. Even so we were getting quite cold by the time we got back to the car. A good wake up call to carry all the right gear even on these shorter walks.
Absolutely no view from the platform today
Many thanks

The Freezer Mice strike again!!!
Had seen this one sitting there for a while, so decided to knock it off the list today.
Perfect day for it as the views were just supurb.
Timings ended up being: Up 37 mins, Down 21 mins, Searching for the cache 17 mins!
Must make a point of learning the names of NZ's trees one of these days... now if the clue had been 'bushmans toilet paper' I would have been just fine.
Cache is in perfect shape, TNLNSL.
Thanks for the placement.

After a search of sometime did the phone a friend to assist with this cache. Enjoyed the view Nil in or out TFTC

Good to see someone's finally put a cache here. I was toying with the idea originally of making an "Undie 500" race up this hill a while ago, with contestants having to race up here in their undies. But as it's only 495m high, to top off the last 5m to make it 500, they would have to carry a very high ladder up there between two of them. Sounded like a suitably silly idea. However, when I did a "ladder access recce", was very disappointed to find a 5m high viewing platform already there!

WOW My first FTF and my first look at a Geocoin.
Nothing like skipping lunch to go climb a mountain.
- Geocoin
+ Star slinky
Thanks for the cache.

Well done Pumpkin Guy!
Saw this one this morning but work called! Noted the FTF during the day but made a detour this evening for 22F and a bit of exercise. TNLN thanks

Published

FTF please grab geocoin to continue its journey.