Karori Gold Rush (Wellington) Highbury, North Island, New Zealand
By huhugrub on 06-Jul-09. Waypoint GC1VJ7B

Found with help from the CO after discovering the trails were closed. Out with Nildran enjoying the sunshine TFTC

Out caching with TL. TFTC! Sending answers for teamlarcee and nildran. Unfortunately, both tracks were closed during our visit. I messaged the CO since we were surprised by the trail closure. Here's a picture of the closed trail sign.

Answers sent in and confirmed. Photo attached.Visited Zealandia today for my last day in town on holiday. I remember coming here when it was still Karori Ecosanctuary, but I have not been in years. Took the needed detours for mine info and relied upon cgeo for altitude and distance which they did ok? with.Also saw a tuatara poking out of a hole, and a takahe having lunch on the lawn, as well as a lot of other native birds. Tftc!

Better weather today with some sun, greatI was here before 10am and it was open. I took a tour in the beautiful park with some concentration on the old gold mine.Thanks for the cache./herrFamaxe from Sweden

I left the tasks for this EC until after we'd walked our loop(s) and was able to dash off to the side a few times to get the details. All good and answers have been sent to CO, picture to follow later. Cheers huhugrubA long overdue visit to Zealandia the wildlife place beckoned this weekend, after I'd completed the ring of puzzles a 'few' years ago with tommygun9. Me and mrs c were on the road fairly early and ready for exploring before mid morning after a pleasant drive down. Just the 3 real caches today, along with a set of Ad Labs on the way back home via Otari Wiltons Bush. Was a tad windy, but not insurmountable. Cheers COs.

The mines are closed, however we enjoyed our day at Zealandia. We saw and heard a lot of birds! Thanks to the cache owner for allowing me to log the cache.
Greetings from New Hampshire, USA!

The path to the mine was unfortunately closed, we tried our luck with the questions anyway and are logging with the CO’s permission. Tftc!

So at 6am this morning as I am scrolling through the Geocaching app planning the day (as you do I realise after the planned CITO this morning I can also claim the locationless cache GC8NEAT- not many of those - wonder if I should try for as many cache types as I can? And so the day is planned... First up was a trad in Manakau Cemetery close to where we were staying for TwigNZ's weekend of events, then a letterbox in Ohau. On to the CITO in Kimberley Reserve & the locationless cache. After collecting a surprising amount of rubbish around the reserve, time to head home via one of the Kiwi Geoart puzzles in Pauatahanui inlet. Stopped on the side of the road to send the answers to a virtual and this Earthcache - both of which I had from recent visits but had not logged. Then on to the Ngaio AL and a multi I had collected the first stages for but not collected, before tackling the unknown of the day - the Ngaio Wherigo! Being my first Wherigo and two prior attempts I wasn't sure of the success - but managed to get the app to behave and came away with a win. On to log the virtual leaving this one to last. I DNF'd this back in Oct 20 as the track was closed. More recently as a member I have wandered up here a couple of times and gathered the info for this cache - I have taken measurements more than once but I was still a little off on the altitude and height readings it seems. I did get an amazing saddleback experience though. Permission to log granted by CO. This log makes 10 cache types in one day - Wow. Thanks for the great cache huhugrub and the info on a fascinating area close to my home. Earthcaches always prompt more research and learning - which I love.

Had issues as mine is closed. Have send answers we had to CO. Awaiting response.

Thanks to lovely reply from CO. Loved our day here. Saw two Saddleback & Takahe. Beautiful part of Wellington. Tftc

Zealandia is changing its opening hours during July 2021.

With daylight hours reduced in the middle of winter, Zealandia has decided to close the sanctuary daily at 16:30. The shorter opening hours start from Monday 5th July 2021 until Sunday 1st August 2021.

Last entry will continue to be at 16:00, but you'll need to be out of the sanctuary by 16:30. The Visitors Centre will remain open until 17:00.

Confirming that the sanctuary will be closed next week from Monday 24th May 2021 until Sunday 30th May 2021 as some aging pines are removed from the valley. The Visitors Centre, including the exhibition, store and Rata café will remain open. Unfortunately, the earthcache locations won't be accessible during this period.

We have been advised that the sanctuary will be closed on Thursday 13 May 2021 as they carry out crucial work for the lower reservoir restoration project. The valley will reopen on Friday 14 May 2021.

The valley will also be closed from Monday 24 May 2021 for 7 days to enable them to remove some aging pine trees from the sanctuary. These dates are weather dependent and will be confirmed closer to the time.

We appreciate your understanding.

We have been advised that the sanctuary will be closed on Thursday 18 March 2021 as crucial work for the lower lake restoration project is being carried out. The earthcache locations won't be accessible on this day. Visitors are still welcome to the exhibition, store and café areas which will remain open. The valley will reopen at 09:00 on Friday 19 March 2021. Thank you for your understanding.

A wonderful walk through Zealandia. We got up close to Kaka, Tui, Bellbirds, Tuatara, Stitchbirds, North Island Robin etc. although we didn't see the Takahe. Attempted the Earthcache tasks but wasn't able to access the top of the shaft as the track is closed, having been destroyed by slips. I was able to cobble some information together from other sources. The amazing thing to me is that this valley was almost completely deforested, then given over to fairly destructive industrial processes, then flooded but has so quickly regenerated into the fabulous sanctuary we see today. Thank you for bringing us here. TFTEC.

Forgot the photo...

Nice little adventure around the mining sites while the muggles were around the main path. Pity the mines are closed to the public now! TFTC!!

I enjoyed my first ever visit to Zealandia (the inside of it anyway). It was interesting visiting the gold mine site but I didn't make a very good job of completing the EarthCache tasks. I have since enhanced my knowledge.

Zealandia has advised that the Morning Star Mine Track has been re-opened. It was closed for about two weeks for a tree fall. The mine itself is however permanently closed as there is a serious risk of potential collapse and it is too expensive to make it safe. But you don't need to enter the mine itself to complete the earthcache. It is possible to do all measurements from the outside.

Picked this for earth cache day. Not a good choice as mine is closed.

We have been advised that the access track is currently closed (potentially for a few months) due to unstable boulders and for earthquake risk assessments. We'll monitor progress ...

**Pine tree work completed and Zealandia open again**

We have been advised that the pine tree dismantling work is now complete and the sanctuary is open again!

**Advance notice of temporary closure for 7 days**

We have been advised that the Zealandia Valley will be closed for maintenance from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th August 2020 (inclusive) to enable removal of some aging pine trees from the sanctuary. Please plan your visit accordingly.

We were spending the day in Zealandia exploring the various trails while keeping an eye out for any wildlife. Over lunch at the cafe, we noticed that this earth cache inside Zealandia so researched what we needed to do. After lunch we had planned to attend the talk on the tuataras (unfortunately we didn't see any tuataras today - must be too cold for them despite being a sunny day) which is near one of the waypoints, so after the talk we continued on to gather the information. Thanks for taking us to these mines, and for the history associated with this cache.

Logging with permission, which was granted to Mrs JY on behalf of the Geofamily. It was exciting to get out and about after lockdown. I had been to Zelandia on a school trip, but we didn't go to the goldmines. As a rock hound I was excited to go looking for some real gold. Unfortunately the mines were closed so I couldn't go hunting. Mummy (Mrs JY) told me a probably wouldn't find any gold anyway.

Photos are logged under Mrs JY's log. TFTC!

Logging with permission of the CO, even though we didn't get all the measurements right. It is some time since we visited this amazing place. The thought of visiting a gold mine in Wellington was pretty exciting - I didn't realise there were any! Unfortunately when we got there we discovered both mines are now closed. I'm not sure they would have lived up to seeing a rainbow end in the bottom of Waihi Goldmine. However, it was still nice to visit the area and learn some new things on a lovely sunny winters day.

Photos include Mrs JY, Theosaurus, Jedi Girl and DoYouThinkTheySawUs (who isn't caching at the moment so isn't intending to log this catch)

Logging with permission, which was given to Mrs JY (aka Mummy). I had fun visiting the area - I thought the water tower looked like a castle. Unfortunately it wasn't. We saw many different birds, but unfortunately couldn't go into the mines. I was really looking forward to hunting for gold.

Photos are posted with Mrs JY's log. TFTC!

Thanks to the CO who generously gave permission to log this earthcache after I submitted my guesses at the answers. Turns out my measurements were out. I blame it on the gloom at the mine, my GPSr was not settling at all. However I enjoyed learning more about the history of this great asset to Wellington. TFTC

Logging with permission from CO. Had an amazing time at Zealandia today - explored many tracks including a couple that were new to me. I hadn’t been here since a family outing many years ago. I really enjoyed visiting the mines and it brought back memories of finding Cache on Pooh Corner years ago. Such a great piece of history - thanks for the EC to entice me up here and to read more about this chapter of Wellington life. This photo is me and my mate Robbie at the mine entrance. TFTC!

We made the most of free entry to Zealandia to complete the two caches within the boundary. I have actually attempted this earthcache before, the last time I was here more than six years ago - but I only had my phone and the accuracy of the measurements I took was so bad I gave up. (I think the elevation of the top of the shaft was less than the elevation at the bottom...?!) Even today with my Garmin the accuracy was still fairly low, but it was enough to get approval from the CO (thanks for the permission!)

After visiting the mines we continued to wander some of the hill-side trails and did a bit of bird spotting - great to see a few tieke, and a couple North Island bush robins, which even posed for photos. We're contemplating getting annual memberships so we can come back more often and do more of the tracks!

Thanks for the earthcache huhugrub.

We visited Zealandia yesterday with family visiting from Glasgow and Palmerston North. There were 13 of us altogether. I managed to head up to the mine and get the required information while the others continued towards the Tuatara area. Coincidentally I had just found "Cave at Pooh Corner" cache before entering Zealandia which also featured an old Gold Mine. Thanks for taking me here, we didn't end up going in the mine as it is closed. We did find some boxes full of Weta though, which gave us a fright! Haha. Quite different to the Weta we get down in Miramar.
TFTC

Scoping out things for travel and love earth caches and virtuals to get my priorities straight. I appreciate the information and look forward to a nice walk.

#7335. I recently had a meeting at Zealandia and during the lunch break we had time to go for a walk around the park. On a previous visit I was with a group of people and there was no chance to dive off the track and check out this old mine. This time I was on my own. Enjoyed looking at the weta in the mine. Carried out the various tasks and gathered the necessary information. Back at home I checked over photos of the display boards and read the cache description to get the remaining information needed. Have sent the answers to the CO. Logging with permission. Thanks huhugrub for setting up this earthcache. Learnt a lot more about where and how you might locate gold if you were so inclined to search. Cheers GSEL

I see you caused some issues for Gordon Ramsey recently

https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/114928059/gordon-ramsays-very-own-hells-kitchen-is-right-here-in-new-zealand

Spending a wonderful day at Zealandia, we also did this Earthcache. It wasn't so easy for us to answer the questions, but we made it in the end. Zealandia is definitively worth a visit and it was very interesting for us to get information on the time of the gold rush in this area. Thank you very much for leading us here.

One day in Wellington for D4nielB and me. We decided to visit the Ecosanctuary Zealandia and it was really worth the visit. Awesome. Additionally we gathered some information for this earthcache while wandering through the park. Thanks for this one. D4nielB sent all our answers to the CO.
Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.
Juliane

During our stay in Wellington Jul1ane and me visited the Zealandia Ecosantuary. It was awesome. We did the recommended route and the Valley View Track, unfortunatly the Round the Lake Track was closed due to maintenance work at the powerlines. During our walk we learned a lot about New Zealand, it's plants and wildlife. Plus we also had the chance to gather the needed information for this earth cache. This has been sent to the CO. Thanks for leading us here.

This took a while to get this one sorted out and correct but we enjoyed going up into the shaft and i was amazed at how many wetas were in the short shaft and the grandchildren enjoyed the experience also. Down near the gate I particularly liked seeing several tuatara and although i have held quite a few tuatara, to see them in the their natural habit was extra good. it was a fitting end to a long weekend.
What an elongated weekend with firstly an over night at waikanae and gatherin g in a few caches around there, and then onto the Hutt valley, travelling through to the Wellington Airport to pick up geo son and head to Karori where we stayed for the weekend and I stayed on for a further day or two before heading back up north again. At least the SH 1 was open going home and I I didn’t have to travel over Paekakariki hill which I did on Friday.
I managed several caches around Hayward/ manor park area, Avalon, Lower hutt and then around the coast to Breakers bay etc etc before going to rongotai and then south to Moa point etc. before heading to the Airport.
Saturday we picked up a couple of challenge caches and others on the way up to the Event, getting there in time to register and head to the CITO event. Then a few more challenge caches and trads before heading to the Flash mob. Back to the venue where we had tea and got ready for the quiz night. Which unfortunately went on a little long.
Sun day saw us pick up a long over due mystery cache on tinakori road before heading to Petone and then up to Upper Hutt where we completed the Lab caches some puzzle caches and thee wherigo before heading back yo Karori to have tea with grand chn and family etc.
Monday we went to Zealandia where we completed two more caches before taking geo son back to the airport. I then drove home the next day after the bulk of the traffic had gone.
It was a great weekend and a great Mega event . thanks to the organisers and ALSO thanks to the REVIEWER who alerted CO about the status of the their caches etc s

I visited Zealandia a couple of weeks ago to pick up the answers to this one (and grab the two traditionals inside). An interesting part that I hadn't been to before. While the cave was open there wasn't anyone around outside except for a bin of helmets. However I could see the bottom of the cave was wet and muddy and I wasn't wearing suitable footwear so decided to give it a pass.

I headed on up to get the second reading and then realised I forgot to take the requisite photo from outside the cave entrance, so took one from the top instead. Found the third waypoint and took another measurement, then it was off to grab the other two caches before I went to the prison event. Sent off the answers and found I made a mistake which lucky for me was just me sending the wrong bit of information instead of a mis-measurement.

All in all, another great experience and it was a shame that I couldn't stick around for longer. Second cache type of the day. TFTC+Fav

First day of my Wellington Mega weekend. Starting in the CBD region I headed out to the airport to pick up some wheels then travelled around the coast, to zelandia before ending up at the base of wind turbine looking over this and many other GZ locations.

Months of puzzle solving paid off.

Thank you to the COs for the geocaches.

The Seagnoid and I had a maintenance dash to Palmerston North Saturday. Today its exploring Zealandia, as its $2 day, then on the ferry back to Picton. Started the day caching in the dark around Khandallah to fill in our time until Zealandia opens. Got there at 9.30 and the place was already open. Able to just snag one of the last available parking spaces right outside. It turns out this place now opens at 9am. Its a quick walk up the hill to the mine site to meet Jennifer, a guide who had helmets and red light torches. Great the gates were open today. Closed last time I was here. Saw 3 cave wetas and heaps of glow worms. GPS readings were very sketchy here and getting satellite dodgy. It was back down to the mine for The Seagnoid to step out the length of the mine before departing down the track to read the interesting info signs. Great place to visit. Thanks for this earth cache. Fav from me for all your efforts. Cheers.
Now a quick dash to Bird on a wire, then its out of here to return our vehicle and catch a lift to the ferry and event.
CO had OKd our info as being in the ballpark figures for us to log this one.
Great catching up with you both at the event. Its been ages since I have seen you

Taybeedragon and I went to Palmerston North yesterday for a day of cache maintenance. Now we are back in Wellington filling in time before the ferry. She suggested we go for the Earth cache here. Turns out she knew it was $2 day. Which meant it was crowded. We turned up early, but not early enough. Luckily there were two car parks left. Came up here and chatted to Jennifer the Zealandia guide who gave us helmets and red lights. Found three cave weta (others were saying there were none), found some quartz veins, probably without gold (otherwise they would not have abandoned the mine) found lots of glow worms. Also found we are in a bit of a valley with significant tree cover, so the GPS figures are a little dodgy. I am a caver from way back, so although this is not much of a cave, I really enjoyed it. And the information boards around were excellent, too. Heck, even the rail tracks are still there!

Fantastic place, gets a favourite from me.

Logged as a write note to keep my finds in order. Will change to a found once I get the okay.

This weekend (5th & 6th of May) is an [Open Weekend at Zealandia](http://www.visitzealandia.com/Events/ArtMID/2271/ArticleID/122/Open-Weekend?utm_source=Members&utm_campaign=242ebced03-2017_11_E_News_Members&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8e1d8d43a8-242ebced03-214446213) if you plan to visit.

I am visiting from Canada - looking forward to visiting this earth cache

Cache # 4,162 - A very interesting earthcache, with lots of good information on both the web page as well as at the site. Even though we had been here several times before, this gave us all a much greater appreciation of the area and the work involved. Answers sent to CO, who confirmed good to log - although we learned even more in the exchange! Did with CelloJoss, Astro Hunter and Violet Butterfly. TFTC!

Consecutive caching day # 1,741

Did this Earthcache with The Wandering Dragons, Violet Butterfly and CelloJoss. A lot of walking for my short legs! Thanks for all the stuff we learned.

Cache # 854

The Wandering Dragons finished the formalities tonight and got permission for us all to log. A lovely day out with CelloJoss and Astro Hunter. You can keep the wetas!

Cache # 1,385

During our stay in Wellington we visited Zealand even twice. First time we participated in a night tour but it was raining quite hard and unfortunately we didn't see many birds. On the next day we came back at daylight and after walking through the park we visited the old gold mine.
The tasks attached to the earth cache were very interesting, even though the measuring was not so easy due to the surrounding and the GPS signal!
But the owner agreed with the answers or saw our efforts to find the solutions, so we are glad to log the cache as "found" now!
Thanks for the cache and the informations around the mining in Karori valley!
Greetings to huhugrub!

#3,075: Earthly Smiley!
I came to this set of sites on a great walk around the park with some fellow workshop participants on an outing. I really enjoyed the history, and climbing around the mines. Emailed the answers (as best as I could reckon!) to the CO.
TFTEC!

Travelling from Canberra to NZ for a short holiday. While in Wellington, we visited Zealandia and wandered the various tracks enjoying the scenery, listening to the birdlife and collecting information. Mining looks like it was a tough existence!

CO has sent confirmation for me to log. TFTC huhugrub

Thanks to CO, who was prompt & helpful with answers, including lack of photo. Visited pump room here on school trip when this was still a City reservoir! Later as a volunteer feeding ¿weka? in a small fenced area at the top of the bottom lake (now a swamp) during incipiency of Karori Sanctuary. Fun to be back here again, this time caching and bird spotting with partner + family.

Visiting Wellington and Zealandia on my way back to Auckland. This afternoon I spent in Zealandia - thanks to some rain there were not too many people around. I spent a lot of time at the Kaka feeding station. Some of the younger birds had not yet worked out how to get to the food and were getting a little cranky and trying to get food from the adults which were easily jumping on and opening the box. It was great fun watching them, but in order to find answers to this EC, I had to leave eventually. Good to learn something of the history of this place, too.
Thanks a lot for the EC, huhugrub!

will upload a picture when i am back home (mid May)

Visited zelandia today with menstrietash and some family and friends, unfortunately all the paths up to the mine areas were shut today so couldn't complete the earth cache happy to have a reason to visit again though

Took the Xmas relations on a trip to Zealandia including a little geocaching. I wouldn't normally involve relations in an Earthcache but this is a particularly interesting one. Unfortunately while my (cellphone) GPS at first seemed adequate when I got to the top of the shaft it was reading less than the bottom! So back down we went where the GPS refused to settle at all. I had to provide an estimate by eye instead. Luckily Huhugrub accepted this - he's such a nice man.

Finally logged with permission.
We were over in Wellington for a wedding of one of my wife's best friends from school. On our last day in wellington we visited Zealandia and had a nice walk through the sanctuary spotting birds and lizards. Was not expecting there to be a gold mine here let alone an earth cache so only had my phone wih me to get the information needed. An interesting area and an interesting history of the mines. I visited them on my own as the rest of my family was waiting down on the main path due to a sleeping baby.
TFTC huhugrub

Logged with permission
After a lovely walk of 2 1/2 hrs with StefTheVet through the amazing Zealandia, up to the dam and around the lake, we finished our walk with the Earthcache of Karori gold mine. Thanks a lot for all the interesting details and for showing us this place, we didn't know there was a gold rush in Wellington! A really fantastic location for an Earthcache. We stepped a few meters inside the mine and imagined how hard it must have been searching for gold... Being in Zealandia in the morning just after opening we didn't meet many people and could enjoy the sanctuary and watch the birds in the morning sun. TFTC!

Logged with permission.
Walked through beautiful Zealandia with GaBiG50, loved the scenery, the birds, the mines...
Thanks for bringing us to a lovely location.

Had a wonderful walk around the park. Only had a few minutes to read the description in the way in. Wasn't till I got back to the car park 2 hours later that I realized it was back in the park. It's a little away from home so don't think I will be back for it.

Found this cache INSIDE Zealandia. Bring your tools for the EC, bins and bird book, and a printed copy of GC-1VJ7B.
This park, nature area, or what you wish to call it has so many things to see and do.
We had to wait all morning in our apt, due to rain in the morning. We arrived at noonish, and wandered all over. There are many trails to explore, so make it a full day of caching, birding and what ever. Enjoy it for it's a special place with many rare birds.

Thank you for make this day a little more rewarding, huhugrub.

RVC

Logged with permission

Down this way for a weekend away with the good Mrs Dragon (thank you airpoints).
While Mrs Dragon takes in the Architecture of the area I will collect a few caches that I have been saving for just this moment.

Interesting walk in the sun, however Mrs Dragon is still getting over the close encounter with a weta
Thanks for the cache placement

We are down in Wellington visiting family and went for another visit to Zealandia (we have been many times!) and completed this Earthcache while we were there. We wandered around taking measurements (although the GPSr was drifting a bit under the tree cover) and got to go inside the Morningstar mine. Our answers have been emailed to the owner and we are logging with permission. Thanks for this interesting Earthcache in a great location!

Found orginally as part of phasevisitor team, now created own account, re-logging as yorkshirekiwi83.

We are down in Wellington visiting family and went for another visit to Zealandia (we have been many times!) and completed this Earthcache while we were there. We wandered around taking measurements (although the GPSr was drifting a bit under the tree cover) and got to go inside the Morningstar mine. Our answers have been emailed to the owner and we are logging with permission. Thanks for this interesting Earthcache in a great location!

The distance of today was not that far, so we could enjoy the time visiting 'Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre', where we had some very special encounters with different birds, that was just amazing. We did a short stop at the 'Birchville' hanging bridge, but had to move on soon, because it was raining. In the evening we arrived at Wellington, got to the hotel and I went to a little geocaching tour in Wellington.

I already visited some places in the west of the United States (California), but I didn't know, about the gold mining here in New Zealand . So not only the Americans had been lucky with finding gold, nice to know. Thank you for showing and don't lose the favourite point

Took advantage of Wellington Open Day to finally come explore Zealandia. The traffic was backed up for about 750 m to get in, so I parked further away and walked with some friends. I've only been in NZ for 3 months and this has been my first opportunity to get up close with the local flora and fauna. I couldn't believe some of the birds I saw, and the weta has to be one of the creepiest critters I've ever seen. I also saw a huhugrub, which seems fitting given this cache.

The sanctuary was incredibly busy so we took the red trail to the upper dam and then the yellow/green trails back, enabling us to visit this EarthCache. I haven't been spelunking in a couple of years and this cache made me want to go again. A trip to Waitomo Caves may be in order.

Thanks for the fun EarthCache.

Logged with permission: Took the opportunity of the Wellington Open Day to visit Zealandia for $2. A quick stroll up to the mine and further up the hill soon had the required information in hand. Those men were pretty hard to dig the mine out by hand - an impressive effort. TFTC !

Logging with permission.

I was another of the 'cheapskates' who took advantage of the $2 Admission. Crowded at the first mine, all alone at the 2nd.... the photos show the contrast. Thanks for the Cache - and an excuse to visit.

This entry was edited by Infoferret on Friday, 07 June 2013 at 19:25:28 UTC.

Logged with permission:
I normally go to Zealandia to see the wildlife and take photos of birds and tuataras, so it was great to visit for a different reason. An interesting and informative cache which has taught me a lot more about the history of the area which I did not know. Also managed to see a couple of weta in the first part of the tunnel before the gate. Thanks huhugrub for a great exploration.

Logged with permission, We were caching with taybee a miserable day rained most of the day when we got there the entrence to Gold Rush was closed so took a photo of proof. Photo attached gtodd

#3733. After doing the power trail round the outside of Zealandia back in Jan, it was good to finally see what's inside the fence we got to know so well on the power trail. Very interesting place. We were sad to see that the Morning Star track was closed right at the start. We read through the signs at that point, but got no answers. Walked round to near the entrance to the Union mine, only to realise we weren't required to go there. We carried on up the track, looking for a back way to the Morning Star track, but came to a locked gate. Thought it best not to enter a closed area. Thanks for permission to log.

We were advised that unfortunately the track to the Morning Star mine was closed today. Disabling listing until we can ascertain when it will re-open. Meanwhile if you are going to Zealandia anyway, it is advisable to check about the track situation beforehand.

Checked with Zealandia about the track situation. We were advised that the track was closed today due to high winds in the area. They were afraid pine cones might drop on people. The track should be re-open tomorrow (Monday), but if in doubt, you are advised to check on the track situation beforehand.

We have been wanting to do this earth cache for a while, but thought the entrance fee rather steep. Today locals could visit for a gold coin donation, so we joined the queues of Wellingtonians sharp on 10 o'clock to gain admission.
Once inside, we were dismayed to find the path to the Morning Star mine was closed, we're not sure if it was because of the "special" day, or if there were other reasons. Walked up to the Union mine entrance, met up with Taybee and co near here, always good to meet cachers when out and about.
We also saw other wildlife - some wetas and a tuatara! I haven't seen a tuatara since my childhood in Invercargill, where Henry the tuatara was an attraction at Invercargill Museum. It was a big story when a female tuatara (Stephanie) was brought in as a companion/mate for Henry.
A most interesting earth cache, I hadn't known before that gold mining occurred in Wellington. And it has brought me to a fabulous spot. Many thanks for letting us log.
TFTC.

Logged with permission:
We were taken to Zealandia by my brother and family and spent several hours walking the complex. A very enjoyable place with something for everyone. The gold mining questions and tasks were challenging but achievable. Thank you for providing a focus as we mooched around the sights. I must admit to eying up the fence and terrain on the hilltops for a potential raid on the Power Trail in the future. We did actually spot someone walking the line and wondered if they were a geocacher. TFTC

Logged with permission ...
With my Zealandia discount voucher due to expire on April 1st, I had a valid reason to visit for the first time. Loved the subject matter, the cave wetas and claustrophobia not so much. Pity the Union Mine track was closed but that just gives me an excuse to return.
Definitely worth a favourite point!

Updated description to remove references to no food / drink available. Indeed there is now a good fully-licensed terrace café in the new Zealandia visitor complex.

Logged with permission. Finally sorted out the photo so it shows part of me namely my hand as well as the GPS without the nasty mug shot [B)]
This ranks high on the list of interesting caches, in fact I think maybe on top. Worth a favorite point when I manage to get some more to give out!
There is quite a cost involved in access these days, but fortunately I happened to have a one-day type Internet deal which gave me a concession. It was good to have food and drink available.
For those who can afford the entrance fees it is well worth doing this cache, I learned a whole lot, not just directly in relation to the cache but about the mines in general. I don't think a lot of people are aware of this history. As I recently found out that there was gold mining in the Wainuiomata hills near where I live this added some further interest. If you can't find me I am probably panning somewhere between Waiwhetu and Wainuiomata

By sheer coincidence the Zealandia Power Trail came out the night before but my voucher was due to expire so I needed to do the present cache today and in the end I didn't get started on the easier ones on the trail as I had hoped, judging by the terrain ratings I would die if I did the ones further up!
Many TFTC.

.

This entry was edited by robnzh on Saturday, 05 November 2011 at 08:58:31 UTC.

This entry was edited by robnzh on Sunday, 06 November 2011 at 07:29:41 UTC.

Did all the work yesterday but got to get it all together, particularly uploading the photo which will hopefully be easier now I have a new PC.
But just a note at this stage that the advice about the lack of food and drink no longer applies as there is now a cafe at the entrance. (I hardly recognised the place as the new building wasn't there last time I visited!)
(Didn't see the tuataras either, some people were saying they had while I was there but the critters eluded me.)

On second thoughts I have decided not to log this cache. I generally have a policy of not submitting photos of myself on caches but I was thinking of making an exception in this case as it was such an excellent earthcache. However on looking at the photos again they are awful (a rather awkward attempt by me to photograph myself!) I still enjoyed doing the work and would never have learned so much about the mines without having been prompted by the earthcache, so thanks.
Now to set about gold mining when nobody is looking (though maybe there might be some along the Power Trail which is way above my terrain abilities)

Had fun wandering around and even ventured into the tunnel.

Logged with permission via GhostGums email dated 25 Sept 2011.

TFTC huhugrub

You have to be imporessed with the effort that gone into the Zealandia site, especially eradicating the exotic animals.

MrMeccano and I ventured and went through exhibition and then into the reserve, where we see lots of birds, geckos and of course tautura near the track to the Union Mine.

The old mines were quite interesting, but unfortunately we couldn't go into Morning Star for a closer look.

Anyhow all logged with permission.

Thanks huhugrub for an interesting Earthcache

A big thanks to Huhugrub for this cache. Visisted today on my 4 year olds birthday. GPS struggled a bit in the bush. Awesome place to visit. Saw lots of Kaka flying around, plenty of Weta, Tui and bellbirds.
Thanks!

Great day in the sanctuary. Thanks for showing us a bit of our backyard we never knew was there.

Had a great day wandering around the sanctuary today. Saw our first Saddleback - three actually - which was very cool.
Our last visit was about 8 yrs ago and the Tuatara we saw then was in the same spot again today! Do they ever move?
There was a volunteer on duty at the mine who gave a wee talk before giving us helmets and a torch to go Weta hunting.
He says that those little critters can jump 3 metres. Unbelievable.
Photo of Ms M on the seat outside and of the volunteer giving his talk. (The GPS is the camera).
TFTC, it added to our days enjoyable experience.

Visited Zealandia on a beautiful morning - had three under 5's with us so trying to collect the information was a bit distracted - however got a pass mark from huhugrub, thanks! A delightful place to visit and the highlights were seeing kakas and tuis close up at the feeding stations. Also saw a tuatara close up Thanks for this well thought out and informative earthcache which really added to our morning's visit.

Taking advantage of the free weekend for Wgtn residents to make sure I didn't leave with any less gold in my pockets. The weather was a bit damp (read that as meaning we came away soaked to the bone), but that didn't dampen enthusiasm for the open day. We still had to park miles away. We had visited the gold mines before, but with such a sense of purpose. I hadn't noticed the Union Mine shaft before, so that was interesting to note it - I'm sure we walked past it last time we were in the reserve. We saw a few wetas, but everything else was tucked up in burrows or nests.

Thanks for an interesting EC, and we also enjoyed the chance to wander around the new visitor centre on the open day. It is well worth a visit.

I took advantage of the open day at Zealandia today to visit and do this most interesting Earth Cache. I knew a little about these mines previously but it was nice to increase my knowledge about them. Certainly was a popular place today.

Brownie came along as well, he’s pretty keen on doing Earth Caches, and one in a Bird Sanctuary as well, was one not to be missed. Logged with Permission.

Logged wirh permission. Like Boxhill, took advantage of the free day at Zealandia - fortunately we were early so didn't have to walk too far to get a carpark!

Was great to come back - we'd been here before a few times prior to getting involved in Geocaching and enjoyed the tour. Managed to see a few cave weta's and a tuatara (refer attached photo). Curious to think we had gold so close to us, and that there's possibly still some gold in those hills!

TFTEC

Lovely day exploring Zealandia and learning lots of new stuff! Thanks. Logged with permission.

Did the cache with whipped_cookie.Logged with permission!!TFTC

TFTC - logged with permission. Due to storm, track to Union Mine was closed.

Paid a visit to Zealandia with Petriez. We really enjoyed the visit to the sanctuary and the mine . Logged with permission. TFTC

Paid a visit to Zealandia with Janemay. It seems I didn't gather the answers in the desired manner, however, enjoyed the visit to the sanctuary and the mine all the same. Logged with permission. TFTC.

Just got the permission to log. Visited Karori Sanctuary today with schuessi and Rebbeah. I've been to the Sanctuary before, but never went to the old gold mine. There were loads of wekas inside and it was kind of scary that there was no window separating us. Cool experience. TFTC
beriolil

Visited Karori Sanctuary with schuessi and Beriolil. Even though the answers were not totally right we got the permission to log -thanx huhugrub. Walking into the tunnel with only a small torch and the wekas being right next to us was a cool experience.
TFTC
rebbaeh

Visited Karori Sanctuary with Rebbaeh and Beriolil for the first time. Walking into the tunnel with wekas being right next to us was a great experience.
TFTC
schuessi

What an fantastic day at the new Zealandia exhibition center and all about.. Thanks for showing us this spot (which is not really well marked on their maps)...
Picture attached and answers emailed to the owner.. Thanks for the cache..

1800!!!! Another milestone on the way to 2000. Thought this one would make a great milestone cache. Not sure we're taken with the new name but the new building certainly looks flash. Its interesting how many mines there are in Wellington, there's one in the Eastern Haywards Reserve which few people know about never mind visit. Thanks for taking the time to create this interesting Earthcache, this our 41st EC find. Logged with permission.

Logged with permission. Went to the Sanctuary yesterday. Good day to go. Lots of active Kaka and Tui. Tuatara about as well. A great cache to do. I'll upload photo later.

We had a fascinating visit to the reserve today. Lots of interesting wildlife. I had real trouble taking GPS measurements of the mine's dimensions (i.e. the GPS decided I'd gone downhill while climbing the slope to the top) so I had to resort to some "proper" but rudimentary surveying. Apparently my numbers weren't *too* bad! Logged with permission - many thanks for the history, geology and bringing us to this fascinating place.

[This entry was edited by d-dixon on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 10:26:32 AM.]

Visited the Reserve on a very wet and windy day when in Wellington from the Star Princess. Greatly enjoyed our visit despite the weather. Answers on way.

Have been saving this one for Father's day to get a free visit, small charge for the junior member of the party though. Absolutely brilliant Wellington day for the visit and really enjoyed the walk around. Had never been here before myself though junior ADV had on a school visit. Spotted a Tuatara which was quite a thrill, another first. All in all quite an amazing place that you could spend all day in and never get bored. Bumped into Taybee (who had also saved this one for Father's day) on our way to the mines.

The Morning Star mine was open so did the obligatory walk to the end, nothing too great despite the admirable keenness of the volunteer staff on duty I thought. Did find the information boards quite interesting though especially for the history of the mining in the area.
Logged with permission, many thanks.