The Hermetic House (Otago) Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand
By Stegan on 16-Feb-12. Waypoint GC3CPDK

As this cache has been out of action for too long, I'm archiving it to keep it from continually showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements. If you wish to repair/replace the cache sometime in the future, just contact us (by email), and assuming it meets the guidelines, we'll be happy to unarchive it.

Regards,
TheCur8or
Geocaching.com Volunteer Reviewer.

Well, bits of it exist..

Well, bits of it exist..

This geocacher reported that this geocache should be archived. A community volunteer reviewer has been notified.

This has been vandalised

This has been vandalised

Hi Stegan
I went to the GZ at this site a few days ago - and it was obvious where the cache had been hidden. But there has been a small fire at the site that has killed off a number of trees, and the place is now "wide open". Various debris on the ground included an empty 200ml Sistemsa with broken lid, and some empty snaplock bags nearby among the charred trees. No sign of any logbook. From the cache description, I'm guessing the cache was meant to be a challenge to get into the container rather than any challenge to locate it. But neither exist now. I suggest you disable the cache now, and go to check out other possibilities. You can probably use the same coords (or small log changes) and set something up just north of the original. Just don't try coming to it from the south, as there is a mud-hole in the way. The general area is perfect for some kind of cache, so go for it. Cheers, Grandalf

Wonder if cache might have been a flood victim? Did find part of a sistema container

No luck here. Spent a bit of time searching but all in vain. Found an empty container that could of held the cache but idk..

About to give up then it was spotted!! Very sneaky!! Log book very damp. Found with Kerynz.

Pretty pleased to find one of Stegan's. we're close to DNF when it came to us. Found with Frame Family. TFTC

Maint.

Disabled

Stumbled across this one with Fido Rex, having previously consigned it to the 'Too hard' basket. Yet, as noted by a previous cacher, there was noting here to indicate a struggle (although there still remains evidence of the once-fabled contraption. With no recourse but to scout around, and employing some caching intuition, the logbook was eventually found and duly signed (making doubly sure that it was the correct one - if CO needs evidence, I am more than happy to fling a photo his way). In spite of not completely experiencing the joy/frustration that others have experienced (well, it's always a joy to find a stegan cache without too much spilled blood/spinal fluid), I think I cottoned on to the point he was trying to make with this one, bearing in mind its name. So, TFTC, as well as the confusion!

Gosh! That was difficult! TFTC

With Eve07 this one was found and shoes now in the wash.

We looked for this cache and found one by the same user, but it didn't look like the photo and the logged comments below didn't make sense. Perhaps we missed something? Anyway, logbook was signed and TFTC.

This one took two trips to dismantle. The first day I was torn between the location where my GPS put me (and where there was no Cabbage tree in sight) and a cabbage tree which I was convinced was the correct one. After searching for a while without success, and with an annoying dog nearby that just wouldn't stop barking I decided to call it a day.

The second day my search started again at the tree which I was convinced should be the correct one. However, after - again - not finding anything I decided to broaden the search area. And lo and behold: the cache was reasonably quickly found but not where I was convinced it should be. Talk about barking up the wrong tree, ey?

The cache itself proved to be quite a bit of a challenge, with - as mentioned in previous logs - the logbook clearly visible but no obvious way to reach it. After several minutes I did manage to open the cache, but I'm still not 100% sure if I opened it the way it was supposed to be opened. I'll contact the cache owner about it.

Nevertheless, once being able to put my hands on the goodies, a nice fresh clean logbook in purrfect condition awaited. I might not be the FTF (First To Find), but I definitely am FTSIABNRL (First To Sign In A Brand New Replacement Logbook). Yay me.

One thing struck me as odd, however. The area promised to provide ducks in abundance. There are even warning signs to not feed them, in an attempt to control there numbers a bit. But when I was there - both days - there was not one single duck to be seen. Not one single one!!?! Garnit, I so had my hopes set on duck à l'orange tonight... :'(

Hello.
I've been looking forward to looking for this cache for about 6 months.
And now I have an overabundance of free time on my hands, its the first I've found this year.
Thank you for really making me think

So I was in the area this morning hunting down a mystry cache and thought I would grab this one too. Found the box quickly but couldn't work out how to get the log.

I had to leave it to go to the Chose a Pie for Pi day event and when I was there I was talking about this one and what I thought I needed to do. I was soon steered away from my ideas and got back and had the log in my hands within 90 seconds.....lol.

Great one - earn a fav.

Log book was a tad damp.

Think I was looking at the right tree, but didn't even find the cache... Let alone figuring how to open it apparently! Big deception here =(

Mud. Garden rubbish. Puzzles. The lengths we cachers go to in order to sign a log. Oh so clever...not the cache but wandercat for solving the puzzle and signing in. TFTC. It really is a brain teaser. Greatly appreciated.

I am over here from Brisbane for the week, so I spent the day out collecting caches with GPSmith and Rocket_Candy. With so many favourite points I had to do this cache. The ground near the cache was quite muddy but that didn't stop us. Wow just wow, that is evil!!! Also that is pretty funny! Found the cache and signed the log. TFTC

Nearly got us with this one. Sneaky, and as usual the CO was roundly cursed during the proceedings. Even on a hot dry day the mud was inescapable.

Got past the mud on the way to GZ mostly unscathed. Found the house easily enough. Then several minutes of head scratching ensued before the proverbial penny finally dropped. The rest, as they say, is history. Gets a well earned favourite from me. TFTC

29 October 2014 kiwistew The Hermetic House (Otago) thanks for the cache. Tough safe to crack.

Tricky one, cheers

That was fun! Took longer than it should have - we are a bit out of practice. Nice cache on a nice day. Thanks!

Found with CJ-Curry, Jaycie and Silvachief on a lovely day out. We all packed into the space around GZ, and stared blankly at the most obvious place until i had a moment of clarity.

Had a day out with Hevic, Silvachief and Jaycie. My only reaction to this is: Oh wow. We braved today's mud and slush to get to GZ, and when the four of us got there we sat there without a clue. Finally Hevic had a moment, and surprised us all by picking up the container out of seemingly nowhere! So clever, worth a favourite by all means. Cheers!

Found this one during an afternoon out with Jaycie, Hevic and CJ-Curry. This was great fun to locate and puzzle our way toward the log book. Hevic managed to figure it out and we all went away happy. Cheers.

A bit of a swamp to negotiate. A bit of a hunt then an aha moment.

TFTC

Back in action.

will be replaced soon

removed for maintenance

Had visited the spot several times before, but never with much time for more than a cursory search as it is on my way to the shops from home. Chatting to other cachers confirmed my suspicions, so today I set off with only it in mind. Found the entrance to GZ very overgrown, in fact I wondered if I was even in the right spot as I had not turned my GPSr on. Found the right tree eventually and soon had the cache in hand. Signed the log (eventually) and went off happy.

At least I will no be prepared for others of this ilk.

TNLN. TFTC.

Yay! Thought about this one heaps since yesterday. My bro offered a great suggestion and then it was an easy find. Thanks for the challenge

I found the bird box easy enough but couldn't for the life of me see how to get into it. Read the histories, googled that Greek dude hermes, phoned a friend... Had to walk away defeated. So frustrating when you can see the log right there in front of you but just can't get it. I leave Dunedin tomo so will see if any inspiration comes before then

Signed and sealed! Good result that. Cache browns tftc

Log sounds like its signable so enabling. Either way I'll be by within a fortnight to check it.

I thought I had found it last month but it was not what I should have found. Went back and found the real cache. Not sure why it is disabled. Cache is a bit damp but could still write on it. Went with Aussie Pete. Had to time our departure as there was a worker cutting the grass near us. Not a good look to see 2 grown men come out of the bushes together (lol)

Found it. Very sneeky and clever, logged and re-hid, nice bird house.
TFTC

Needs work.

Nice one. Thanks for the effort. Would pay for the next person to bring some more paper to sign as the current one is pretty full. Unfortunately I didn't have any spare with me.

TFTC

Yuss! Found a Stegan cache! Didn't want to attempt this after the rain last weekend. Wet undergrowth..? Urghhh. But went for it today in the brilliant sunshine and took 1 min to find. another 9 to work out how to retrieve log... speaking of logs... if you reach the human sized poo on the ground you've gone a couple of steps too far.. ><
TFTC!

House was on the ground, as hecubat states in previous log, also couldn't quite mange the wire around the cabbage tree, so put it on the closest tree with a smaller trunk...hope this is ok!? Was chased and attacked by ducks for my efforts must of been to close to the babies, 'tis the season!

Found birdhouse on ground. Had already signed the log weeks ago, but now have the combination code
tftc

Like I said the birdhouse isn't on the tree anymore although I did find the right cabbage tree and it's sitting on the ground by it.

I got to GZ and the I found the container on the ground. Played around with it for a while and then I figured out the trick to it and signed the logbook. I tried to put it back on the tree like it is on the photo but I couldn't manage to wrap the wire around the trunk. Thanks

I'm pretty sure I didn't do this one correctly? But I found a legitimate looking logbook and signed it! Will email the co with details... Thanks

Got it! TFTC

this was a fun one. .

Nice quick find during school holidays. TFTC

A neat hide but not a problem for any duck, like Daffy or me.. fluffy. We are used to these things. Nice one stegan.

The Jo half of the team had a conference all day so Joe went for a walk finding a few caches on the way. Through the botanic gardens, back to check out the University bookshop, then off over Flagstaff. This was number 24 for the day. Easy once I had found my way into the reserve.

The description was perfect. A delicate search turned up the cache without too many distractions. In fact the hide looked more out of place to me! TFTC thoroughly enjoyed and a favourite point earnt =D

TFTC

Found the cache without needing the photo. Nice job! TFTC

Found with Jemnz. Could have been easily fooled. TFTC

found the location but was unable to retrieve the log book. this may, or then again may not, have been made worse by others who have resorted to leaving a scrap of paper. shall return another day

very clever cheers, oh and funny

TFTC

Found at 1:18:00 p.m. on 10/12/2012.

My second look at this one - frustration - stop - look - think - AHA....!

A truely evil cache -

Absolutely worth a favourite point.

TFTC stegan

Woot. Nice sneaky hide. Tftc. 5 December 2012 6:46pm

TFTC nice, took a minute to work it out. Cheers!

What a fumbling - I'm not the most patient - - eventually it worked - Danke für's Herloggen!!

I originally found this as part of the dakotacats team but I have my own username now so I am re-logging as whiskasnz. Thanks.

07/Nov/2012 : I have to admit to 'sleeping' on this one overnight. Luckily my mathematical mind kicked into gear and I was able to sign the log on return today. Being a PhD candidate comes in handy for these type of caches. TFTC Stegan, it was beguiling.

I have to admit to 'sleeping' on this one overnight. Luckily my mathematical mind kicked into gear and I was able to sign the log on return today. Being a PhD candidate comes in handy for these type of caches. TFTC Stegan, it was beguiling.

Found it on a nice eveningwalk
TFTC
krümel91

Was in Dunedin to attended the first ever Mega in New Zealand. Managed to work it out so that I was able to team up with -gonefishing-, fozzmiester and agcnz on an 8 day caching trip around the South Island, this was day 5 of the road trip. This was our last day of caching in Dunedin region and after picking up a few caches on our way back into Dunedin.

After finding GC1MNJB - It may be tempting, but do not feed (Otago), this was the next cache that we had on our list as we made our around Dunedin,

We managed to find a parking spot on School Road and made our way to GZ from there, as -gonefishing- had done this cache earlier in the week we decided not to wste any time and let him guide us straight to GZ and we managed to retrieved, signed and replaced back as found.

Thanks Stegan for placing this cache here and for bringing me to this spot, TFTC TNLNSL (5146). Really interesting cache hide indeed[xx(].

As boxhill had done to -gonefishing-, -gonefishing- did to us. Thankfully the method of access was spotted before he had too much of a laugh. Thanks for a fun and very sneaky cache. TFTC

Found as part of an 8 day NZ Mega Event trip. Day 5 - Our last full day in Dunedin which was mainly filled in by another trip out on the peninsular and a stroll on Flagstaff hill. Thanks to the owners of the 500 + caches which I had the pleasure to find along the way and which contributed to a very fun trip.

Came here with fozzmiester, -gonefishing- and Yeetrees towards the end of the day while hunting for caches on the hills. Found the cache quite quickly and shortly afterwards we had the logbook in our hands. Signed log, TFTC!

Found at 9:37:00 AM. In Dunedin for the Mega and seeing some of the sights in the city. Had heard good reports of this one from fellow cachers and decided that we had better see it for ourselves. Very very sneaky, I like your style. Well worthy of a favourite tick.

Thanks stegan

#752
After last night's effort, we returned bright & early to GZ to have another search. This time with sufficient daylight, we soon had the cache in hand & the log signed - all without using force. Simple when you know how. Thanks CO for an interesting cache.

Finally getting around to logging... On the way back home from the MEGA with Kiwi Nomad. Heh! Very good. Almost fooled me. Thanks.

Found on the way back north from Mega with Kiwi Legend. Very well done hide took us a short while before we clicked and found the cache. Thanks for the cache, it is one I will remember for sure.

#1090
WOOHOO!!!!!
Even though we signed the slip of paper yesterday, I was not happy with a find for this one so I emailed the CO to see if they would supply us with another clue as we were leaving in the morning to head back to Oz after attending the Mega. Thankfully stegan gave us a snippet of information to help solve this puzzle. Funnily enough, I did contemplate the solution yesterday but didn't act upon it for some reason! We travelled back to GZ and within a few minutes had the blessed cache open. As others have stated, in the end it was an easy thing to do to gain access to the logbook. With great pleasure and lots of smiles, the official logbook was signed. You are one sneaky hider stegan. This was a fantastic caching experience and one I will long remember. A favourite from me! Well done! I wish I had more time to hunt down your hides. Cheers and thanks.

Hermes Trismegistus was very helpful here. Quickly located and all possibilities apart from dynamite and axe considered before coming to grips with the problem.TFTCSL Cache number #190 while down south for the mega.

Zoom! Another favourite point for a Stegan cache winging it's way!! Another fantastic experience here. You are full of surprises Stegan. We were stumped for a while on this cache. We kept your message in mind not to force anything but couldn't work it out. We were about to give up when we had that Ohh, ohh, duh, moment and we were able to get to the cache and sign the log. Thanks for a great challenge and another GREAT cache experience. If we only had wifi and another day here we could look up more Stegan caches to do. You certainly don't disappoint.

Third one of the day. Would have probably enjoyed this one more if I wasn't so frozen. I'd figured that it was summer almost, so there was no need to bring my puffa jacket or anything down. But obviously, boy was I wrong!!

And so you can imagine how frustrating this cache was when my fingers were numb, and I was frozen to the core!!! Haha.

But then I recieved a nudge... mum read me out a log that made me think along the right track, and find the cache too... riiiight... A sneaky sneaky wee hide!!

TFTC!!

This was to be the last for the day as the light was fading fast. We found something that seem right. I even managed to extract a piece of paper that some previous cacher had left & signed that. However, we were not sure that we had indeed found the cache. So we agreed that a fresh start next morning was called for. Besides I was getting hungry.

Found with pprass and Juddda. We are now all jambed into the one geowagon today, all together and this was one of many finds for the day.
Cheers from Browngang

Truly diabolical!!!!

It was getting late and this hide was to be our last for the day. Found the Hermetic House easily enough but how to get at that logbook! Well, between three of us we searched for the right way to retrieve the logbook. We poked and prodded, slid and slithered, groped and grabbed all to no avail. Short of hitting the "B" thing with a hammer, we were stumped. Others had said they finally figured out how to open the cache and that in the end it was quite easy! Hmmmmmm!!!!! Well not for us. Geotooter did manage to get a slither of paper out that another cacher had placed in it and we signed that then returned the container and left. Grizzle, grizzle grizzle, not very satisfying!!!

1025, GAFF5, Found in the company of Pprass and Browngang whilst out and about in Dunedin all packed into a Geominivan today

A very clever hide worthy of a Fav point !.

TFTC stegan

Found a few caches in the company of Boxhill after the MEGA cleanup CITO. Boxhill had already done this cache, but kindly brought me here. He then proceeded to laugh at my efforts to log the cache.

Thanks for a sneaky one, stegan. This gets a fav.

Found it on my first visit but had to rush off to the Cito Event which gave me some time to reassess matters some what, returned again later and found it after seeing the hole picture. TFTC

Found at 7:27 AM GAFF5 in the company of Browngang and Juddda. We were not sure what we were looking for as the size for some reason is not chosen, so we were just eliminating possibilities for a while until the tricky hide way in there was spotted.
Thanks stegan

NZ12. Out caching with Dazzatron today. After getting out of the main city we took this on despite the odd logs. It took us a bit long to work out there was more to it than the obvious and I am happy to say it was worked out and the correct logbook signed. Thanks.

8867.288 TNLN
Visited: World Traveling Gold GC A#6 & Buttermilk Benchmark A#77

Albida

4738. A cache on a geocaching day at the Mega Event. A quick find and a slightly slower opening. A great cache! Thanks, Rodney and Iris.

Located where we were meant to be and found the obvious. Investigated and scratched our heads. Discussed possibilities and dismissed them. Decided on an option and viola! Cache in hand! TFTC and the challenge.

Spent way to long looking at the wrong thing before realising what was right in front of us the whole time.

TFTC

We are out for the day with the Earthbound's whilst on our NZ Mega Trip. Cache took a little while to locate, logbook was signed and cache replaced. All the while the geokids were doing their CITO. TFTC

Loved the idea TFTF

Today it was just Sully1 and I to grab a few caches and learn and see a bit more of this beautiful town.
Despite the forecast, the weather held up once again, and we had a great day finding some clever and simple hides, but all were a joy to find.
Thanks for this one stegan, devious and brilliant at the same time.
Sully had the answer after eliminating all other possibilities, possibly the best in NZ for me so far,
so of course a fave point

Found with bogonghazy whilst in town for the Mega Event. Our Garmins finally settled and the cache was soon in hand. Uh huh - then we faced our next dilemma..... but after 5 mins of sheer frustration, the log was gladly signed. Absolutely loved it. Giving a fave, this has to be one of the most memorable caches we've done on our short trip to NZ. Many thanks to stegan for this one.

Very clever indeed. Here with Edvern puzzling away, but sometimes you should just stop and think a bit. The solution may be simpler than you imagine Had to resort to some external resources... TFTC

Clever hide, wasn`t sure for a while how to handle this one?? TFTC