Zion's Pool (Waitakere Ranges) Karekare, North Island, New Zealand
By M@ on 08-Jan-11. Waypoint GC2M6G2

This walk will be sorely missed, but the area is too sensitive

Temporarily disabled to support the Waitakere Rahui (http://tekawerau.iwi.nz/node/13), in an effort to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease.

Checked in on the way back from a walk down the Pararaha stream. Yeap, still there and in good nic.
Cheers, M@

Lovely spot but couldn't find the cache (Maybe we didn't look hard enough)

Vamber, Metzgan and myself decided to tackle some of the Waikateres this holiday, so we decided to start with this walk, we had heard good things about it so were looking forward to the walk.

This was a cache I had heard things about, so was looking forward to it, as we were approaching from the up hill direction we spotted a little track before we got to the stream and decided to take it, headed in the direction we thought the cache was, and eventually got down to the stream, were we any closer, no, hmmm well ok we know we need to follow the stream down so crossed it and found and bush bash option that had less resistance that the otherside, got to close to GZ and had to get to stream, aha there it was, and there was the hint item and a quick wade and there the cache was in hand.

Decided to have lunch at this spot and discussed other options to get back to the track but after trying another option decided to go with how we got in, got back to where we crossed the stream and decided that actually from this point another option would be easier and it was, few vines to battle but got there. TFTC


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A nice sunny summer's day meant for an early set off with yorkshirekiwi83 and metzgan to tackle the tracks of Karekare today.

Decided to tackle this one by going for a bit of a bush bash towards the pool. It was certainly a bit misleading, as the GPS saying we were only "80m"for most of the way, but it felt like we were off the track forever. Eventually after much navigating and getting scratched up by trees, we were finally in the right spot, and what an impressive view it was. Got our feet a bit wet to get to the cache, and then stopped for a spot of lunch before tackling the uphill climb back to the track. Thanks for the cache.

Entering the bush as suggested we found ourselves crossing the stream a couple of times as we negotiated some dense and steep terrain. Closer to GZ we realised that our way out could be much easier if we took the path of least resistance. Found the pool and marveled at the view. Would have liked to have taken a dip but was a tad chilly this morning and a stiff breeze blowing. Had to tie our loose garments and equipment down. Recovered the cache, and then headed back. Using our newly found intelligence we decided to go for the climb and least resistance. Pleased to say that we were not as cut and scratched form the return journey.

this place is insane. tftc

A plan was hatched to come to the waitaks today to get some geocaches around Mt Zion collected and to enjoy some of the most stunning views. As my muggle friend is not too keen on leaving the track I was very surprised when she said yell yeah to the idea going for this one. We scrambled along the stream closer to GZ. When we arrived at the small waterfall I left her to take the last meters along west to GZ. Wow what a great place. TFTC

One of twenty or so finds during an amazing day out in the Waitakeres today in the company of FMZ, 11hpg11, HKCB, IamMrWalker, Cats&Dragons and our tour guide, Paultaps, on our 15-16km circuit which, with a bit of car shuffling, saw us start off at Odlin’s track, drop into the Parahara gorge, find our way down the stream into Parahara Bay for a bite of lunch before a crazy part-wade, part-swim adventure through the swamps and then wind our way back to Karekare via the lower end of Buck Taylor track, with a few brave souls in the group taking the more direct route up and over Baldy, and then up and over Mt Zion on the the Zion Hill track.

As usual, Cats&Dragons had done most of the planning for the day’s caching mission, this time aided and abetted by Paultaps, and I was just naively following along. I’ve long since learnt not to ask too many questions when missions like this are being planned, other than maybe getting a rough idea of where we're going. I’ve found it better, with my somewhat cautious nature, not to know exactly what crazy adventure I’ve signed up to although I know from past experiences that a day with this caching crew means I’m going to get muddy, wet, tired, sore, covered in enough scratches and bruises for muggle friends to wonder if I’ve been attacked and that I’ll have a massive amount of fun in the process. Today was no exception: explored so many awesome spots that I would never have visited on my own, with such amazing scenery, fantastic company and a lot of laughs along the way. A day I won’t forget in a long time. Good times!

As is becoming the norm on our group caching trips, we chose an abbreviation of our caching names to save on log-book space and, if we’re honest, coz it’s also part of the fun debating which sequence of everyone’s initials to use: finally settled on 1HICK for the motley crew from the mighty Tron plus or minus an F, as and when required for our brave Auckland accomplice.

Having been up Baldy before, I was more than happy to be in the splinter group that headed straight to the pool - not going to argue with more time to relax and enjoy a really fabulous spot! We walked in the stream for most of the way from the main track - by now, the heat of the day meant the eau-de-swamp-meal was over-powering and getting rid off as much mud as possible was a definite bonus! We'd stashed our bags near the track turn-off point and, with no GPSrs, had to use caching sense instead. Even so, it wasn't long till the cache was in hand, signed & safely replaced .. an awesome spot that was a highlight of the day, TFTC

This cache was found on another memorable 'mission' in the company of fellow Hamiltonians 11hpg11, HKCB, CatsandDragons, Kiwi69 and Aucklanders Funkymonkeyzone and Paultapps. We signed the logs (F)1HICK to save on log space and as its become a custom for us to try and come up with anachronisms for our trips together.

This trip came about after Zorgon told 11hpg11 and I about one of his most memorable/ favorite days Geocaching in this area. A suggestion here and there and before you know it C&D had organised us to replicate that trip and had expanded on it. I was new to the area and was blown away by how amazing it was. I really enjoyed the variety in the tracks, views and locations. It was a long, challenging day in which we collected in excess of 20 caches, 10 of those T4 (or higher) and it took me out of my comfort zone which also made it one of the most memorable. Experiences like these are best shared and I was lucky enough to do so with a great bunch of people.

This was a great place to recuperate after the hard slog up to Baldy. We took a less direct route to GZ compared to the other half of our team but got their eventually. This is a crazy cool spot which I would never have got to experience with out the presence of your cache so thanks for placing it and bringing me here.

It has only been a couple of weeks since I was last in the area collecting a few other caches so back here once again to see what else we can find in the way of small plastic boxes in the Bush. This time we are caching as F1HICKS being made up of FMZ, Paultaps, 11HPG11, kiwis69, HKCB, iammrwalker, Cats&Dragons.

This was always going to be a long and interesting day, possibly due to the many little sidebars that we took to find other caches nearby as it seemed a shame to pass them up. By the end of the day we had covered approx 15-16kms through some very different landscapes than what we normally find in the Waikato.

It was at this point the two groups met up again just before the first group was going to leave, so anyway we all got to enjoy the delights and views while enjoying the cooling waters that were on offer. While relaxing it was yet another opportunity to trade tales and adventures

Thanks for the placement

I was meant to be elsewhere, but this trip had been planned for a while. I almost pulled out in favour of race team responsibilities, but really glad I joined the team of 11HPG11, HKCB, iammrwalker, Cats&Dragons, kiwis69 and Paultaps. Had not been out for a good long hike in quite a while so this circuit definitely took its toll on my legs - not so much on the day, but 3 days afterwards I'm still feeling it in my thighs.

Our route took us down Odlins track to the Pararaha Stream where we turned off and headed downstream stopping off at various caches along the way. We stopped for lunch at the campground at the bottom and then swam across the swamp to the Pararaha Point Pa cache. Then, while some went for Baldy, the rest of us went up the Zion Hill track and spent a while chilling out at Zion's Pool where we waited for the others to join back up. From there we continued up to Mt Zion, and then onwards down to Karekare.

Back for a re-visit to Zion's Pool where a couple of us waited for the others to summit Baldy. Very thankful for the soak in the pool here to get rid of some of the swamp stench from swimming across the swamp to Pararaha Point Pa. This is such a glorious spot, and I couldn't get enough of the cool water, so it was hard to get me out of the pool! This is what caching is all about!

Another Hamilton mission, with some crazy keen cachers. Today I teamed up with FMZ, myself, HKCB, Iammrwalker, Catsanddragons, Kiwis69 to form the team F1HICK. We were also kept company by the wonderful guide/guinea pig Paultapps.

Our group had split up at this point, half going up Baldys direct route, and the other half coming here to lax in the cooling pool of Zion. I know I made the right choice but coming here, Baldy can wait for me to return next time! We made our way down and hung out in the pool, lay in the sun and then remembered we had a cache to find. No GPS's so just used caching sense, which we had plenty since we found it soon enough. Favourite point for this little hidden gem.

Out for another mission with 11HPG11, Kiwis69, Cats&Dragons, IamMrWalker, with Paultaps and FMZ. Funnily this mission was devised when we were last up here taking on multiple high terrain caches earlier in the month. All up it was a fantastic day out, about 15km's covered, a few stream swims and a swamp dealt with and a summit conquered, so the beer at the end of the day was well earned. The logs were signed F1HICK.

After the slog up baldy, this cache was what was keeping me going. The lure of a nice cool stream on the hot day was really motivating to keep on going. As the group had split and this was the meeting, being lead the last few metres to the cache was nice. Cooled of in the pool and admired the view before a quick refuel before the last push for home. A truly epic spot!!! Worth every bit of this favourite point.

Out and about for a hike around Karekare this afternoon. I followed the instructions on the cache page and made my way down the stream. I wasn't in the mood for getting wet so took the dry option as I progressed towards GZ. Nearly slipped on the slime a couple of times but arrived at the top of the falls without incident. No problem finding the cache. I decided this was the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a late lunch in the sun. I retraced my steps back to the track. Time to make my way back and the beach will make this a very nice loop. Cheers for the cache placement!

I was out for a hike today from Karekare to Pararaha Valley and took the opportunity to grab this cache en route - a cache that I have been wanting to do for a while! I was with Alligatorsnz (and a muggle new to geocaching - what a cache to start with!) As Alligatorsnz had previously found this cache, he knew the best route down to GZ, so after a bit of a bush bash we got down there without any troubles. I quickly spotted the likely hiding spot for the cache from a distance, went down and soon had the cache in hand! After completing log book formalities, we then took the opportunity to explore the top of the falls and take in the great views down to the Valley.

What a great spot this is - definitely somewhere I hope to come back to! Thanks for the cache - a favourite point added!

Back for a re visit with Mr Vistra and a friendly muggle, (likely to be soon converted so signed log as "the bean") know a much faster route now then my last visit:-) always wonder why this cache remains water un affected.... guess the water just rushes through with out the raising features of "lower elevations";)

I am not usually upset when I dont find a cache but today's effort was different. I am lucky enough to spend a good part of my working life collecting caches around the world and this one looked like a perfect way to mark the 3 million km milestone. That adds up to around 75 times around the planet so wanted one of those great Kiwi spots.
We enjoyed the walk out to the stream with the usually muddy Waitakere tracks in perfect shape at this time of year.
Unfortunately Mrs B slipped on the rocks crossing the stream on the track and was very gun shy when we started the bush bash towards GZ. Time was against us as well so in the end I had to decide to turn around about 100m shy of GZ. Lets hope its summertime when I get to the next million!
TFTAdventure anyway

What a gorgeous view over Pararaha valley when you finally get to the cache! The sun was starting to go down when I arrived, no clouds in the sky. I went on my own for this one but started to have doubts about that going down the stream, so glad I found the cache to make it worth the effort getting down and going back again. By the time I was back near Lone Kauri carpark, I had my head torch on and it was pitch black. TFTC.

Beautiful view.

Did this in early spring! It was a windy day so we were freezing.

Getting Mrs Sp8 to go off track can be a bit tricky, so didn't tell her about this one till we were in a spot to depart the track . The creek didn't look to inviting for wading, to high, to dirty, and too cold, so bush crashed our way there and back with most of the way clear evidence we were following someone elses trail. Made the pool and the final last push soon had the cache in hand, but I think had used up all the wifes brownie points.

TFTC

After a successful Baldy mission, stretch.kerr, evilno9 and myself headed over to this one. They had both already found this one and were kind enough go back to let me sign this one off. Really enjoyed rock hopping down the stream towards GZ. Only managed to get a partially wet boot due to the undergrowth giving way. Once at GZ, i found the cache easily and signed the log while admiring the views of the Pararaha Valley below. A stunning location for a cache. Fav point added, many thanks for the cache and placement!!

Found it! I was through here a couple of weeks ago on my way down the waterfall but didn't have coordinates so missed it. Back today to retrieve gear so planned ahead and got it this time. TFTC.

Great little stream bash to an awesome view, together with FMZ, Evil No9 and KiwiLeon. The stream was up a little but not as much as you'd expect from the previous nights rain. T4TC

After a successful mission to the top of Baldy, our intrepid group of adventurers continued on slipping and sliding down Buck Taylor track to this cache. We waded down the stream, and walked along the banks where could, to reach this rather special spot overlooking the Pararaha valley. I braved a stint standing on the edge, which really isn't like me at all - just my small tribute to ANZAC Day. The cache was quickly found and signed off and then we hung out a bit enjoying the view - found with Greenblat, KiwiLeon and evilno9. Then it was off all the way back up the muddy hill to the cars. Not a drop of the predicted rain! +1 fave, TFTC!!!

After conquering Baldy without too much hassle and with the weather behaving itself we decided to try our luck here. Ran into a small group of 33 which required some careful manoeuvring but it wasn't too long before we were off into the water. It was definitely noticeable how much the recent rain had increased the water levels through here but it was still easy enough to negotiate and we were at GZ quickly enough. Signed the log, enjoyed the views, spotted our group from before way down at the bottom and then headed back to the car. Enjoyable find with Greenblat and FMZ under the helpful guidance of KiwiLeon who'd already been through. TFTC

heading out to walk up the pararaha stream to odlins with "natoatia",we made a welcome detour off track in to our favourite realm.. wet bush and exploring.. having walked past here many times before this one mysteriously only showed up on my cache map, after i tried to publish one of my own to close? still.. always love an excuse to follow a creek
Great spot.. the vegetation was all nice and wet so it was like having a wash standing up... fantastic spot.. but no one to watch on the track below;-)

Oh brother, did I make this one much harder than it needed to be. I started by dropping down the wrong stream bed from Zion Hill Track. At the top of that wee waterfall, I was only 72 m from GZ, so rather than going back up to the track then down the next stream, I decided to go cross country. It was the slowest 72 m ever. It required full-on bushbashing through endless Dr Seuss plant, cutty grass, gorse and other assorted obstacles. All this while staying away from the cliff edge on my left. There were a few great vistas along the way that helped keep me going. I finally made it by “swimming” through the tops of the vegetation. In retrospect, it probably would have been faster to go back up to the trail and down the proper creek. Thanks for the cache.

Day 3 of the great geocaching adventure with Tracit - (playing the part of the missing party for a Search and Rescue Exercise). We knew a search team was in the area as we had heard the helicopter drop them off the previous evening so a quick 30 minute return trip from the track to sign the logbook, drop the clue and then race back to our packs. TFTC

Great little stream walk with a fantastic view.

What a delightful little pool. Found with Trampingkiwi. TFTC

, It is worth to wet the shoes.

Came over teh gibbins track as part of our Whatipu event walk.
A few went up the gorge while the res went up the track and trough the stream.
Nice refreshing walk through and along the stream with great rewarding views over the valley.
It was also a FTF for us.
Headed down to meet up with the rest before heading through the swamp back to beach to walk back to Whatupu.
TFTC

Part of a group FTF with Kiwileon, Helefant, Jacksonz, Little Red Hood and Arachnophobe. We walked from Whatipu during the Waitangi Weekend Camping Event, via the Gibbon, Muir and Mt Zion Tracks. Followed the stream from its interesction with the track, a few hundred meters upstream of the pool. Saw a freshwater crayfish in the stream, and thoroughly enjoyed the view from GZ, and the empty logbook. From GZ, we were able to observe the other half of our party finding the newly replaced "R-18 Room with a view" cache down below. FTF#59 for me.

Part of the Whatipu event with Kiwileon, Stretch.ker, Jacksonz, Little Red Hood and Hellefant. On the way out, I fell into the river, (the tree had decided that it had had enough of people using it for support). It was a serious bit of bush bashing and wading, but the place at the end was worth it and more. It is a wonderful spot.....simply awesome and amazing. TFTC, this is one of the special ones indeed.

With the Gibbons group from the Waitangi camp/bbq event.
Wasn't looking forward to having to climb a hill again having reached the valle floor, but it was well worth the effort - and a joint FTF to boot. Favourite point from me.
Scrambled, splashed our way down to the pool - what a view.
Could see the others of the group, who had diverted to another cache, reach 'R-18 room with a view' cache, and althtough I dind't know it till later, I was to cross the swamp I was taking photo's of. TFTC

Joint FTF with the Waitangi walk-about group. Stretch and KiwiLeon led the way, while Mr Jacksonz assisted the less fit members of the group down the stream. By utilising judicious bush-crashing at the appropriate times, I managed to get there and back without getting my socks wet ! I'm sure Arachnaphobe would like to say the same thing. As we were heading back to the track, I swung around a small tree over a pool in the stream. I thought to myself "Hmm. That was a bit risky. If the tree had given way I'd end up in the drink". I was a few steps further on, when "CRACK ! SPERLOOOSH !". I turned to see Archnaphobe on his back in the pool struggling to his feet. At least he wasn't a "Hydrophobe".

Fantastic cache, with stupendous views. While we were there we watched Master Jacksonz, et al, do "R18 Room with a view" GC1YCZ1 (see that cache's log for details). It also gave us a good overview of where we were headed next - the dreaded "Pararaha Point Pa" GC2PNKB.

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