Mullet Meander (Auckland) Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
By
outdoornut22 on 16-Oct-11. Waypoint GC36VKC
Cache Details
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This cache is currently listed as Archived in our database.
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Logs
Mrs B and Tinytree had a snorkelling trip planned to the island today so I managed to tag along for a geocaching trip to clear the caches on the northern part of Motutapu. It was a superb day, the sunny was blazing down and the the terrain made the hike a little more challenging and ended up absolutely exhausted thinking it would have been a much better idea to be in the water on a day like this. I did however manage to get to all 7 target caches and found 6 (well in 2 cases it was remnants only) so i will chalk it up as a success.
This was quite a side trip coming off the main track I took a ridge line track for a little while then decided to slowing make my way down the sides of the valley before crossing the small stream at the bottom and then finding out the hard way that the electric fences in the area still work for some reason as there doesn't seem to be livestock here any longer? Quickly spotted the target structure and began a search only to find shortly after several bits of log pages ripped up on the ground surrounding the area (see photo attached). Had a good look around but no sign of anything else but the remained of the log may be in the bunker but couldn't get close enough to check. Have placed the remnants in a bottle found nearby and put under a piece of concrete. Cache will need to be checked and will add maintenance log - no supplies on me today sorry. TFTC.
This was quite a side trip coming off the main track I took a ridge line track for a little while then decided to slowing make my way down the sides of the valley before crossing the small stream at the bottom and then finding out the hard way that the electric fences in the area still work for some reason as there doesn't seem to be livestock here any longer? Quickly spotted the target structure and began a search only to find shortly after several bits of log pages ripped up on the ground surrounding the area (see photo attached). Had a good look around but no sign of anything else but the remained of the log may be in the bunker but couldn't get close enough to check. Have placed the remnants in a bottle found nearby and put under a piece of concrete. Cache will need to be checked and will add maintenance log - no supplies on me today sorry. TFTC.
On an adventure like no other with my geocaching buddy rustynz. We have a beautiful warm day and a very low tide so rusty suggested a rock-hop to this cache instead of a traditional land based attempt! Well... you didn't have to ask me twice! The adventure was awesome and I loved every minute of it, it involved rock hopping, a certain amount of getting wet up to the thighs, crossing a waterfall, and a super mad climb up a 60 deg slope up a grassy a bank! OMG, we are so mad and keen. But it was SOO much fun! Fotos added, I found the cache for rusty and we just relaxed in the dry warm grass while signing this in, we could have stayed here for the night in the bunker we were SO tired. But we managed to get our tired butts off the grass and make our way back to Islington Bay.
With gorby on a caching adventure around Motutapu Island 
Gorby had climbed the hill previously, so the plan was to rock hop to the next bay, and then climb around to Mullet Bay from there. Well we did get to that bay, but decided to keep rock hopping hopefully getting all the way. The rocks where all good, not slippery or fragile.
But eventually we got to a chasm, too wide to jump and too deep to cross. So what do we do? you guessed it we went up.
Yep clambered, pulled, hung on as we climbed up the grassy cliff. Not recommended if wet, but really would not encourage others to do, as it was very steep. Probably would have been an easier option to go back to the unnamed bay.
Because of cattle in the field, we walked on the cliff side of the fence, long grass to contend with. Eventually we got to the beach, and again a few boats are in the bay.
We wandered to GZ, and gorby soon had the cache in hand. The log was signed, and we were soon on our way.
This is when we spotted the sign on the beach, telling us that the track was closed. This was a little confusing, as the DOC website had no warnings, and a message all tracks where open. Our plan is to make our way back to the road via the track, as we spotted some of the track markers in the distance.
After we were to discover that the track is still closed due to a storm last year, causing a slip. Also the fullers map is incorrect , that DOC and the outdoor pursuits centre now have this track removed from its maps. (although the information is very confusing)
Now because it is winter, we have discovered the track quality is poor. Damage from cattle compacting and pugging the soil, long kikiyu grass, poor drainage, made this tramp heavy going. So happy to get back to the road, maybe best found in summer?
Speculated that the tracks have been removed so maintenance is not required?
For this cache it is still accessible by water. The slip has nearly all grown over with grass and track markers are still in place.
An epic adventure, thanks outdoornut22 for the hide and bringing us here.
Gorby had climbed the hill previously, so the plan was to rock hop to the next bay, and then climb around to Mullet Bay from there. Well we did get to that bay, but decided to keep rock hopping hopefully getting all the way. The rocks where all good, not slippery or fragile.
But eventually we got to a chasm, too wide to jump and too deep to cross. So what do we do? you guessed it we went up.
Yep clambered, pulled, hung on as we climbed up the grassy cliff. Not recommended if wet, but really would not encourage others to do, as it was very steep. Probably would have been an easier option to go back to the unnamed bay.
Because of cattle in the field, we walked on the cliff side of the fence, long grass to contend with. Eventually we got to the beach, and again a few boats are in the bay.
We wandered to GZ, and gorby soon had the cache in hand. The log was signed, and we were soon on our way.
This is when we spotted the sign on the beach, telling us that the track was closed. This was a little confusing, as the DOC website had no warnings, and a message all tracks where open. Our plan is to make our way back to the road via the track, as we spotted some of the track markers in the distance.
After we were to discover that the track is still closed due to a storm last year, causing a slip. Also the fullers map is incorrect , that DOC and the outdoor pursuits centre now have this track removed from its maps. (although the information is very confusing)
Now because it is winter, we have discovered the track quality is poor. Damage from cattle compacting and pugging the soil, long kikiyu grass, poor drainage, made this tramp heavy going. So happy to get back to the road, maybe best found in summer?
Speculated that the tracks have been removed so maintenance is not required?
For this cache it is still accessible by water. The slip has nearly all grown over with grass and track markers are still in place.
An epic adventure, thanks outdoornut22 for the hide and bringing us here.
This track is currently closed to walkers. Check www.doc.govt.nz/motutapuisland for alerts & updates.
Got this one but quite the climb down to this one from above. This was a very beautiful bay and we would love to come back. TFTC
Our duke of ed group was staying on Motutapu/Rangitoto for a couple of days and this was the fifth cache that we tried to find.
It was easy to find, as there were not many other concrete structures in the area. Our group was a little worried that we might have accidentally given away the spot to a group of kids who followed us up the slope, but they turned out to not be interested in the cache at all.
We added our names to it, and had a fun time
It was easy to find, as there were not many other concrete structures in the area. Our group was a little worried that we might have accidentally given away the spot to a group of kids who followed us up the slope, but they turned out to not be interested in the cache at all.
We added our names to it, and had a fun time
On our tramping anniversary weekend with a flat phone and hand written geocaching notes this cache was found and afterwards we enjoyed a drink and lunch on the sand.
Yes found it at one of my new favourite ....... Didn't know so many existed. Gotto find more.
We have been wanting to camp and cache on Motutapu for a long time. Finally the lure of a couple of FTFs and the January daily ferry salings to the island had us pitching our tent in Home Bay this morning. Once our camp site was set up we headed up the track towards the Northern Junction and beyond.
It was getting towards the end of a long hot day when we had to decide whether or not we would meander down to Mullet Bay. We were torn between wanting to head straight back to camp, and not leaving any cache on the island unfound. When we reached the gate with the Mullet Bay sign we went through it and headed out across the paddock. After some time in this direction we realised that it was not the best approach, but continued on along the ridge then down through some long grass to the bay. Once we reached GZ the cache was an easy find in an interesting spot. Thanks for showing us a bit more of the island.
Followed some route markers on our way back out, then headed straight up the hill and over to the neayby road to Home Bay.
It was getting towards the end of a long hot day when we had to decide whether or not we would meander down to Mullet Bay. We were torn between wanting to head straight back to camp, and not leaving any cache on the island unfound. When we reached the gate with the Mullet Bay sign we went through it and headed out across the paddock. After some time in this direction we realised that it was not the best approach, but continued on along the ridge then down through some long grass to the bay. Once we reached GZ the cache was an easy find in an interesting spot. Thanks for showing us a bit more of the island.
Followed some route markers on our way back out, then headed straight up the hill and over to the neayby road to Home Bay.
A must do while exploring such an amazing Island. had a great meander in a group picking up most of the Islands caches today. stunning place.
Took wong route....whoops...but got there in the end....awesome little bay.
Was out with a group of another Geocachers. Really enjoyed the day and awesome views. Thanks for bringing me to this lovely island.
Was out with a group of another Geocachers. Really enjoyed the day and awesome views. Thanks for bringing me to this lovely island.
Nearly at the end, not sure about a meander. More of a slightly wrong turn and then a grass tussock hop across the swampy area and then onto Mullet Bay. Thanks for bringing us here and now it's back and up the hill again before heading back to the wharf.
With the new ferry company in town some cheap fares were offered and a group of us decided to come out today to explore the island. At the last geocache the team spitted into two groups. The safe once taking the trail around to GZ and the crazy once going a straight line up and down the hills. Boy I shouldn't have selected the crazy group but had a great time bush-washing and we arrived first 
. Signed as Team GrabOne. TFTC
. Signed as Team GrabOne. TFTCWell this was a cache that we made a bit of a hash of. Our group temporarily split with one going over the hills and the other following the instructions to walk back to the road and follow the mullet bay path. After going through the gate where the sign pointed us we walked along the fenceline not realising that the markers were actually through the middle of the field. We got to the next fenceline before working out where we should have been and tried to correct ourselves - it was at this point I felt very goat like!!
Nevertheless we all made it to GZ and thankfully back out and back to the road.
Thanks for the cache and a favourite for the adventure.
Nevertheless we all made it to GZ and thankfully back out and back to the road.
Thanks for the cache and a favourite for the adventure.
Well, at this time after leaving 'station scramble' cache some of us more fool hardy ones thought it might be more prudent to try a more direct approach to 'mullet meander' what the heck ehh! You only live once right so they say. So alpenmilch80, mike-miss, evilno9 and myself climbed the steep descent out from this beach, all was going well at this stage, huffed and puffed our way up this hill, all looked reasonable on our GPS's, got to the top, now where do we go, after a little discussion we decided this way, got there, now what! What about that way, OK then, now what, right-o let's try that. we had out little bush-bash through veeery long grass, my short legs were a hindrance compared to the very long legs of evilno9 and mike-miss; sliding down on our bums, after much sweating and effort, somehow we managed to finally arrive at GZ! Phew! I think we all were quite relieved to finally get here. But it was soo much fun taking a route no one else probably has done! We found the cache then waited for the others to show up, we waited I suppose 10-15 minutes and when they arrived they looked buggered too! evilno9 took care of signing the log for us then we all had to make our tired legs move to the last cache for the day back at the wharf.
"We're going this way." Well I decided to take what looked like an easier route, and a bit longer with the less adventurous bunch. Turned out only a little longer but certainly looked easier! More hills. Surely this island should be called Billy Goat Island? Thanks.
Found this cache with the group of us that grabbed some cheap ferry tickets from GrabOne. We had a great, long day on Motutapu Island, with nice warm weather, despite a few showers. The company was lovely, and although our feet and legs were sore by the end of day, everyone had a fabulous time.
We decided we'd join the less fool hardy ones and route back to the track to head to Mullet Bay. In the distance, we could see the others ascending and descending the hills on their direct route to the cache - tough work! Little did we know that we also had a slightly tough job navigating the track through the grassy overgrown field to the beach. Our little adventure for the day! Thanks for the cache.
We decided we'd join the less fool hardy ones and route back to the track to head to Mullet Bay. In the distance, we could see the others ascending and descending the hills on their direct route to the cache - tough work! Little did we know that we also had a slightly tough job navigating the track through the grassy overgrown field to the beach. Our little adventure for the day! Thanks for the cache.
Out for the day for a walk/explore around the island with a bunch of keen geocachers. A few of us decided we'd take the direct approach to this one from Station Scramble. 600m or so and only one hill to climb, or so we thought. Turned out being our little adventure for the day after making it much harder than it probably needed to be, but wheres the fun in going the proper way?!
Evilno9 made short work of finding the cache while alpenmilch80, gorby and myself found a shaded spot to rest while the rest of the group turned up. A lovely bay here and so peaceful, TFTC!
Evilno9 made short work of finding the cache while alpenmilch80, gorby and myself found a shaded spot to rest while the rest of the group turned up. A lovely bay here and so peaceful, TFTC!
Knowing that my plans for the following weekend are going to involve a lot of vertical ascending, I was happy to take the as-the-crow-flies option towards this cache rather than the more sensible but slightly back-tracking route that some of the others decided upon.
Not the best start for me as I found a fresh pat to step in before we'd even started on the hill but there was plenty of long grass around to clean that off and the hills weren't really too bad.
Plenty of options presented to us to get us to GZ and I'd have to say we chose the right ones as we didn't end up having to back track, and we made reasonably good time getting to GZ. Other than discovering I don't feel electricty so well (sorry alpenmilch80!) we didn't really have any issues and the cache was in the first place I looked.
Nice rest while we waited for the others and then off towards home (bay). TFTC
Not the best start for me as I found a fresh pat to step in before we'd even started on the hill but there was plenty of long grass around to clean that off and the hills weren't really too bad.
Plenty of options presented to us to get us to GZ and I'd have to say we chose the right ones as we didn't end up having to back track, and we made reasonably good time getting to GZ. Other than discovering I don't feel electricty so well (sorry alpenmilch80!) we didn't really have any issues and the cache was in the first place I looked.
Nice rest while we waited for the others and then off towards home (bay). TFTC
Taking advantage of discounted ferry tickets out to Motutapu, I joined forces with Yorkshirekiwi83, Ric1942 and supernanny for a day of hiking and caching around the island. The very strong winds today made for a challenging walk, but thankfully the rain stayed away until our last hour on the island. This cache was our first stop of the day and it was found quickly in the very first place we looked (thanks for checking up on it recently!) making us the first finders of it in over 18 months! A pleasant spot here - giving it a favourite point! TFTC!
Was a surprise to wander down the hill and discover the beautiful Mullet Bay ! The cache was were it was supposed to be , thank you outdoornut22 ! Thanks for bringing us here !
Out with Vistra for a day of caching, and met up with Ric1942 and Supernanny at the ferry. Knee strapped, check, waterproofs available, check, prepared for 85km/hr gusts of wind, not so much.
We started off walking at a pretty good pace, would be on schedule to get all 10 on the island, however the wind had other ideas and made it very difficult for us to get to that final one and back in time for the ferry.
we got to the turn off for this cache and headed down the valley, we hadnt spottted the track markers so ended up having to cross the stream at the bottom and the marsh area, but from then on it was easier, got to GZ and made a quick find. The walk back up the hill was a little easier when we followed the markers.
TFTC
We started off walking at a pretty good pace, would be on schedule to get all 10 on the island, however the wind had other ideas and made it very difficult for us to get to that final one and back in time for the ferry.
we got to the turn off for this cache and headed down the valley, we hadnt spottted the track markers so ended up having to cross the stream at the bottom and the marsh area, but from then on it was easier, got to GZ and made a quick find. The walk back up the hill was a little easier when we followed the markers.
TFTC
Many times to the island but first time down here. Thanks for cache check. Quick find. TFTC.
Cache is definitely still there checked it today, although it had got a little swallowed by the grass 
considering the size, i think i would of found if it was still there. Also there was a previous no find.
I guess we searched long enough to log DNF. I could be that vegetation have grown up too much, but no luck today... GPS lead us 10m up the object described in hint though we sniffed all around.
Anchored in the bay with sailing friends for an Easter Sunday brunch. One of our favourite anchorages. TFTC
