Urupukapuka Bonus Cache (Bay of Islands) Rawhiti, North Island, New Zealand
By
tikitour and russellschool on 08-Dec-13. Waypoint GC4VGR1
Cache Details
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By visiting the external cache listing you are leaving the Geocaching Australia website.
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Please click here to view the caches listing.
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Logs
I got a message yesterday from Yvettetb asking I'd I had plans for Waitangi Day. I replied "No", and was delighted later on to get a reply asking if I'd be keen to go to Urapukapuka Island. I was very excited as I've wanted to come back for years. We then finalised the plan over the course of the day.My Mum dropped us off in good time to catch the 8.30am ferry to Otehei Bay. The traffic really backed up after this so we were glad we came down early. We were treated to a detour today as the ferry driver took us back to Waitangi to see the Waka arriving down the river. Being a bit late getting to Urapukapuka we were fortunate we managed to get around the whole island. Both of us had quite sore knees by the end after all the hills. We walked 15.3kms and there were lovely views everywhere. We were pleased to easily find this bonus which was in good order. Thanks for the hides out here 
What a fantastic way to spend Waitangi Day 2024 caching on Urupukapuka Island, the temperature was a little too hot (26) but the views were magical. Liss Crew and I took the 8.30am boat out to the island with others who were continuing on to the Hole in the Rock. The boat left Paihia for Russell, collected a few passengers before making its way to Waitangi for us to witness the spectacular Waka Parade as they paddled under the bridge and along the shore before heading out to the island. We travelled back on the 5.45pm boat to Paihia giving us time to have a beverage and snack in Otehei Bay.Liss Crew and I walked up and down the hills exploring the island and finding all the caches (except the multi).We explored the island and found all the necessary caches (& a few more). This cache hasn't been found for 16 months however was nice and dry & in perfect condition in its hidey hole.
Finally, the bonus cache.
This one took a bit of skill to sort out, because there were 2 numbers that we did not find on our trip even though we found the caches.
I dipped into the ‘toolbox’ to see if I could work out likely spots with what I had, and it showed only really one possible option of the 20 or so that popped up on the map.
That’s very encouraging.
Ok, I think we can wing this.
In the end, a quick find and the cache is well hidden behind natural cover.
A fave point for this series which has been on my radar since my first visit back in 2017. I don’t know if it will be back, as geocaching was one of the main driving reasons to come here and we have had a mostly successful visit, and there are other places that need to be explored, after all.
But I appreciate the series and those that have come before us and replaced the missing caches to keep this one alive.
TFTC tikitour.
This one took a bit of skill to sort out, because there were 2 numbers that we did not find on our trip even though we found the caches.
I dipped into the ‘toolbox’ to see if I could work out likely spots with what I had, and it showed only really one possible option of the 20 or so that popped up on the map.
That’s very encouraging.
Ok, I think we can wing this.
In the end, a quick find and the cache is well hidden behind natural cover.
A fave point for this series which has been on my radar since my first visit back in 2017. I don’t know if it will be back, as geocaching was one of the main driving reasons to come here and we have had a mostly successful visit, and there are other places that need to be explored, after all.
But I appreciate the series and those that have come before us and replaced the missing caches to keep this one alive.
TFTC tikitour.
This was a fun cache but a bit of a mission because several of the codes are missing from the other caches. However the CO was very helpful when I contacted him so I was able to claim this cache. It's in a great spot and I had a lot of fun finding it. A great puzzle cache, TFTC
We planned a day on Urapukapuka for Mrs B and Tinytree to go snorkeling while I grabbed some of the caches on the island. It turned out to be a prefect day - too prefect in fact as the sun beating down made it a very hot day to be out walking, but I did manage to get around most of the trails on the island to seek the caches I needed for the bonus, which was the target for the day.
This was the main target for the day to fill a spot on our D/T grid. I had figured out what several of the numbers should be, so figured that I would have a pretty good idea of the location with another 3 or 4 found. As I made my way around though I found that either the bonus numbers where missing or the numbers in place where ones that I had already figured out - didn't find a single one to help. It took a PAF to get the info needed to finish this off and so with the required info I dragged my tired body over the hill again and grabbed the final. All good here, FP added for the whole series. TFTC.
This was the main target for the day to fill a spot on our D/T grid. I had figured out what several of the numbers should be, so figured that I would have a pretty good idea of the location with another 3 or 4 found. As I made my way around though I found that either the bonus numbers where missing or the numbers in place where ones that I had already figured out - didn't find a single one to help. It took a PAF to get the info needed to finish this off and so with the required info I dragged my tired body over the hill again and grabbed the final. All good here, FP added for the whole series. TFTC.
Yay found it even when we were missing two of the clues as new logbook had been placed but the clue had not been added to the new logbook. Thanks for the hide.
Yebo RusselSchool
A glorious day and early enough to squeeze some caching in between the left over time, had a boat and some friends and off we were for a little hunt
A year and a half ago I went here to elk the complete loop but missed some caches and was running out of time as well
Kept all my notes (and found them again) plus took the one number from the description and pondered about the final coordinates. These I showed the skipper, who grinned and said that he would guide us there
Yip, a lovely place with the cache still there, all good so far
Tftc
Tftc
A glorious day and early enough to squeeze some caching in between the left over time, had a boat and some friends and off we were for a little hunt
A year and a half ago I went here to elk the complete loop but missed some caches and was running out of time as well
Kept all my notes (and found them again) plus took the one number from the description and pondered about the final coordinates. These I showed the skipper, who grinned and said that he would guide us there
Yip, a lovely place with the cache still there, all good so far
Tftc
Tftc
A group of guys from work had planned a three day fishing trip out of Rawhiti and I was lucky enough to be invited along. Now I love fishing, but three days straight might be just too much of a good thing and so I hatched a plan to divide my time 50/50 with fishing and caching, if I could just convince the skipper to do some drop offs and pick ups.
Luckily, he agreed, so I worked out a plan of attack to get the maximum number of caches on the islands while I had transport available. Friday was looking likely to be windy, so I chose this day to do the full walk around Urupukapuka Island, hoping to get all the caches here.
After being dropped off at Cable Bay and doing the full loop, I arrived back where I started ready to look for the bonus cache. Knowing a couple of numbers were probably missing, I had contacted the COs and they were good enough to provide the info needed. I had basically worked out where GZ would be anyway, but it was good to have definite confirmation. At GZ it soon became apparent that the cache was missing, so with the CO's permission, a replacement was put in position and carefully concealed. Hopefully this one will survive inquisitive muggles over the summer season. TFTC
Luckily, he agreed, so I worked out a plan of attack to get the maximum number of caches on the islands while I had transport available. Friday was looking likely to be windy, so I chose this day to do the full walk around Urupukapuka Island, hoping to get all the caches here.
After being dropped off at Cable Bay and doing the full loop, I arrived back where I started ready to look for the bonus cache. Knowing a couple of numbers were probably missing, I had contacted the COs and they were good enough to provide the info needed. I had basically worked out where GZ would be anyway, but it was good to have definite confirmation. At GZ it soon became apparent that the cache was missing, so with the CO's permission, a replacement was put in position and carefully concealed. Hopefully this one will survive inquisitive muggles over the summer season. TFTC
rustynz tells me I need to catch up with all my logging 
Was at an Island overnight camp with a group of Westies and non Westies (rustynz, gorby, FMZ, Aidan29, Jag50). Sorry for the generic log, but am very behind. Thanks for all the hides, and maintaining your caches.
Was at an Island overnight camp with a group of Westies and non Westies (rustynz, gorby, FMZ, Aidan29, Jag50). Sorry for the generic log, but am very behind. Thanks for all the hides, and maintaining your caches.
We had settled into our campsite at Cable Bay, tents set up and lunch had before setting off around 1pm to do the clockwise circuit around the island. Boy, I did not realise how many hills the island had!
Our group consisted of Gorbygorbachov, Jag50, rustynz, Rebel98, funkymunkyzone, skaga and myself. We signed the log as Team Uru to save on time and space.
Somehow we had a number missing, but seeing as how there were only 10 possible combinations, we attempted them all. Only one digit gave us a probable location, so skaga went to search. But this cache seemed to allude her. The rest of us joined her under the cover of darkness, using light from torches and head lamps. We scoured a large area, until eventually the cache was found in a spot a few of us were sure we had searched before.
Our group consisted of Gorbygorbachov, Jag50, rustynz, Rebel98, funkymunkyzone, skaga and myself. We signed the log as Team Uru to save on time and space.
Somehow we had a number missing, but seeing as how there were only 10 possible combinations, we attempted them all. Only one digit gave us a probable location, so skaga went to search. But this cache seemed to allude her. The rest of us joined her under the cover of darkness, using light from torches and head lamps. We scoured a large area, until eventually the cache was found in a spot a few of us were sure we had searched before.
#714 1:19 pm Very pleased to see this cache. It would have taken me longer to find if not for the help of other cachers. Great spot for a final bonus cache. TFT(well done bonus)C. Fp.
#2677 The final cache for us on the island (.... for now) and very relieved to finally spot it. Despite the coords being spot on and several pairs of eyes searching, it took quite a while to spot this sucker- Juliet gets my imaginary 'cacher of the day award'. TFTC and the bonus.
We were all sitting around and laying down admiring the stars, the shooting stars and admiring anything to be admired, yakking like anything about all manner of things to be yakked about and I could see while skaga wasn't singing she was nutting out the co-ords for the final of this cache! She knew she came up with the right place, but everyone sort of took turns to look for the cache. It just wouldn't show itself! We double checked everything and went back and forth looking with torches. I was just about to put my hand on the cache when Mrs Jag50 spotted it! (yea right) Naaah, it was all Juliette's doing, she found it fair and square, must be due to all those raw carrots I see her munching eh! 
That was quite a relief, we did not want to have our last cache on the island being a DNF! it was all too much excitement for me, I had to go back to my glass of wine! Skaga... FMZ.... get out that ukelele.... more music please maestro's.... 
That was quite a relief, we did not want to have our last cache on the island being a DNF! it was all too much excitement for me, I had to go back to my glass of wine! Skaga... FMZ.... get out that ukelele.... more music please maestro's.... What an adventure filled day, lots of walking and exploring of this amazing place
Got to meet the CO of this series at the "Urupukapuka Island Westie Adventures" Event (https://coord.info/GC6Y0KG), lovely to meet you both.
The solving of this puzzle was a team effort, the numbers collected, then skaga created some co-ordinates, and we were soon finding the only puzzle on the Island.
So today we were able to swim, create a night cache (ok search for a cache at night!), and camp under the stars (got to see a couple of satellites and a shooting star!).
Then had an added bonus of live entertainment with our resident artiste's skaga and FMZ performing in a one off concert for a select, but appreciative audience
A big thank you to RussellSchool, The Birds Nest Crew and tikitour for creating these hides, without you, we would not be here
As to this final, I would like to say "easy find" but alas no, many hands and eyes had to be utilised for this little beasty, and it was Jag50 who won the ultimate prize, as "cacher of the day" (if only we were giving out awards!)
The log today was signed "Team Uru" : Rebel98, Aiden29, Gorbygorbachov, Jag50, rustynz, FMZ and skaga.
Got to meet the CO of this series at the "Urupukapuka Island Westie Adventures" Event (https://coord.info/GC6Y0KG), lovely to meet you both.
The solving of this puzzle was a team effort, the numbers collected, then skaga created some co-ordinates, and we were soon finding the only puzzle on the Island.
So today we were able to swim, create a night cache (ok search for a cache at night!), and camp under the stars (got to see a couple of satellites and a shooting star!).
Then had an added bonus of live entertainment with our resident artiste's skaga and FMZ performing in a one off concert for a select, but appreciative audience
A big thank you to RussellSchool, The Birds Nest Crew and tikitour for creating these hides, without you, we would not be here
As to this final, I would like to say "easy find" but alas no, many hands and eyes had to be utilised for this little beasty, and it was Jag50 who won the ultimate prize, as "cacher of the day" (if only we were giving out awards!)
The log today was signed "Team Uru" : Rebel98, Aiden29, Gorbygorbachov, Jag50, rustynz, FMZ and skaga.
Our group Team Uru consisted of Gorbygorbachov, Aiden29, rustynz, Rebel98, funkymunkyzone, skaga and ourselves. Despite having captured the majority of clues, we were somehow missing one number. By the method of elimination we identified the most likely answer and then set about trying to locate this bonus. After a lot of hunting by a large number of us it was finally spotted by Mrs Jag50. We seemed to find very hard work of spotting this cache, or were we all tired from the exertion of the day?
A last minute decision yesterday to head up for some caching and camping on Urupukapuka Island, and it was a good one. Great weather and great company and some fun and strenuous hiking around the island. When we finally had found all the other caches on the island, plus the little island close by, we decided to find this one. We had all but 1 number, but could easily work out where the cache should be. Just a bit harder to find it, but we did in the end. TFTC
We drove up from Auckland today in time to catch the 4pm ferry to Urupukapuka Island so we could collect our last 3 unfound caches on the island.
We had attempted to find this Bonus cache in April last year, but with one of the crucial numbers missing we had several possible GZs to search. As it turned out, one of them was the correct GZ, but we did not search it thoroughly enough at the time. Today we were pleased to have it in hand after only a short search. Many thanks for a great series of caches.
We had attempted to find this Bonus cache in April last year, but with one of the crucial numbers missing we had several possible GZs to search. As it turned out, one of them was the correct GZ, but we did not search it thoroughly enough at the time. Today we were pleased to have it in hand after only a short search. Many thanks for a great series of caches.
(1740) Walk the island earlier in January, but finally had a chance to get back over there to collect this bonus cache. A few minutes searching before locating this one. Great to be able to sign the log and gain another smiley face on the island. Thanks for the multi.
Found on a day trip to walk around the island and score a few of the caches here. After a walk of a bit over three hours I had all the codes except the one from "Just Around The Corner" which eluded me. The missing number was not easily deducible, but by looking at the geography and eliminating possibilities within 160 metres of another cache, I had only a couple of likely digits to try. One of these put me close to a very likely spot, and I found the cache there after a short search. Very satisfying! Signed log, thanks for a great series of caches and this one gets a favourite point on behalf of the series.
Signed log, thanks for a great series of caches and this one gets a favourite point on behalf of the series.Checked on this today. Still there but had nearly fallen from its resting place.
we went on a daytrip to that island sooo beautiful with zliber. We got all caches which we could find plus one on a little smaller island so close to this one! TftC
Excellent cache serie. One cache we couldn't find so we were missing one number. There where only two possibilities though and we changed this one to a smiley too.
GC4CW8A Ihumatea Bay is temporarily disabled and until the cache can be reactivated the clue is posted above.
Day out wuth boi walking festival and fellow cacher butchie bum. Having got all the other caches needed to complete this one we seriously wanted to get this but the boat was due in 15 MINUTES! MAD dash down the hill clamber doww to the location and fortunately a quick find. Power walk up the hill to our anxious guides and back to the wharf as the boat was just rounding the head land Even Time for a breather before the boat arrived great day out on a delightful island. Thanks for a great challenge.
Out enjoying walking the full circuit with a great group on the Russell walking weekend ,walk 7 on beauitful Urupukapuka island. Amazing views and in places wonderful bird song . So after walking and caching, collecting numbers along the way. It had to be a quick dash decision as the boat was due back shortly. So green light as we made our way running down the nearby hill. Clock ticking we managed to make a very quick find in such a beautiful place. Thank you for the fun and challenge after walking a full 10 Kim's. So nice to have meet you Agogo, most enjoyable day.
Had the opportunity to come up to Northland with YuGeO4 to pick up a few caches.
Decided to grab the ferry and go out to Urupukapuka Island, this is the second time that I have being on this Island, the first time was way before I took up Geocaching.
Really enjoyed the walk around Urupukapuka Island, was a bit of a pity that we missed finding 1 cache.
Many thanks to RussellSchool for placing these caches here and for bringing us to this spot. TFTC TNLNSL (7736). What a great spot for a bonus cache, made perfect sense in the end.
D i s c l a i m e r:
This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author.
Otherwise, what one says may be construed as being what the entire one believes, thinks or condones, and this may be very inaccurate and damaging, or just complete fiction......
Decided to grab the ferry and go out to Urupukapuka Island, this is the second time that I have being on this Island, the first time was way before I took up Geocaching.
Really enjoyed the walk around Urupukapuka Island, was a bit of a pity that we missed finding 1 cache.
Many thanks to RussellSchool for placing these caches here and for bringing us to this spot. TFTC TNLNSL (7736). What a great spot for a bonus cache, made perfect sense in the end.
D i s c l a i m e r:
This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author.
Otherwise, what one says may be construed as being what the entire one believes, thinks or condones, and this may be very inaccurate and damaging, or just complete fiction......
We had a great time with this series of caches, we only missed finding Mandy’s Point, but the rest gave us enough clues to locate this Bonus cache, found with Yeetrees. Many thanks to RussellSchool and tikitour for all your placements around Urupukapuka Island.
Found orginally as part of phasevisitor team, now created own account, re-logging as yorkshirekiwi83.
We were staying out at Urupukapuka for the Cable Bay event and took a long walk around the island on an exceptionally humid day, together with RussellSchool, tikitour, Tiki tour and Riser 5. Despite the humidity, it was a great walk around the island with lots of fantastic views! Having found all of the caches along the way, we had all the necessary numbers and soon worked out the location of the bonus cache. After a short search at GZ we came up with the cache! A great series of caches and walk around the island - favourite point added! TFTC!
Picked up Te Araroa TB.
We were staying out at Urupukapuka for the Cable Bay event and took a long walk around the island on an exceptionally humid day, together with RussellSchool, tikitour, Tiki tour and Riser 5. Despite the humidity, it was a great walk around the island with lots of fantastic views! Having found all of the caches along the way, we had all the necessary numbers and soon worked out the location of the bonus cache. After a short search at GZ we came up with the cache! A great series of caches and walk around the island - favourite point added! TFTC!
Picked up Te Araroa TB.
The well hidden bonus find at the end of a long enjoyable hike around the Island. Caching along the way we gathered the numbers to solve the bonus coordinates. The views, the beaches, wetlands, farmlands and native bush were all a bonus....thanks tikitour for another reward at the end of a fabulous day.
We were staying out at Urupukapuka for the Cable Bay event and took a long walk around the island on an exceptionally humid day, together with RussellSchool, tikitour, Tiki tour and Riser 5. Despite the humidity, it was a great walk around the island with lots of fantastic views! Having found all of the caches along the way, we had all the necessary numbers and soon worked out the location of the bonus cache. After a short search at GZ we came up with the cache! A great series of caches and walk around the island - favourite point added! TFTC!
Picked up Te Araroa TB.
Picked up Te Araroa TB.
What a great walk around the island. Took us about 4.5 -5 hours to complete the whole island. Great views and company.
Make sure you bring water and food.
Looked in the obvious place then had to expand.
Make sure you bring water and food.
Looked in the obvious place then had to expand.
FTF as part of the Cable Bay gathering eventers! Just as well CO was checking us, as initially the typing error had us going on a 2.5km swim!!! LOL. Clever little hide, close to our camp site. Just as well, as we were exhausted from the heat! Thanks for the bonus!
