Water of Laughter (Bay of Plenty) Ruato, North Island, New Zealand
By Artemiskid on 14-Oct-03. Waypoint GCH34B

No response from owner. If you wish to repair/replace the cache sometime in the future, just contact us (by email), and assuming it meets the current guidelines, we'll be happy to unarchive it.

The cache appears to be in need of owner intervention. I'm temporarily disabling it, to give the owner an opportunity to check on the cache, and take whatever action is necessary. Please respond to this situation in a timely manner (i.e., within 21 days) to prevent the cache from being archived for non-responsiveness.

I have also had a crack at this one. My gps was pointing about 10 metres into the lake.

Several people have confirmed that it's missing, including cachers who have formerly found it. Time to move on.

I agree - came all way down here - lucky new cache just hidden nearby -

See below. Owner doesn't appear to have logged onto the site for nearly 4 years, but we'll give this option a go...

FMZ is right, there is no pole to be seen in the lake anymore. We found this cache with Alouette955 over 2 years ago, before we became cachers. We came back today to try to "officially" find it under our username. We didn't know about the recent DNF. We remembered roughly where it was hidden, but the water is extremely high, and the bank near GZ has eroded, as trees' roots and new shiny rocks appear to have been exposed recently. We bush-bashed our way in above the water line, and on the way back found a new track marked with red flags and fluo paint in the treeline. I'm pretty sure the cahe has either floated away, or drowned and buried under the collapsed bank. Shame about the GC stuck in there... and sorry about the cache...

In the area for the day while the other half did the Big O 35km trail run. Attempted this first by myself and no luck, then later rosmar dropped in to see Vera finish the run, so I dragged them down (since they had found this one before), but no luck. Quite aside from the useless coordinates and hint, I got a good amount of info from previous finders but the cache could not be found. The lake is very very high now with probably 2 metres of water on top of the "sandy beach" where the cache was, so the verdict amongst ourselves and then later when discussed with Mac Ross, the most recent finder, is that it's now under water. Perhaps if the cache owner could check on it, and even update the coordinates so that they actually reflect the cache location... Oh and the pole out in the lake is gone (or submerged).

Found OK. Left Geocoin. TFTC

Found it while staying at the Lodge for a family members wedding. Beautiful spot and easy find. TFTC

Pretty challenging with the lake level up very high. Had to walk in the water for quite a way to GZ. Water was warm but stones were brutal on my feet!! Took quite a long time to find the cache. Nice area though and thanks for diverting me here.

02-01-2011

Put us down for a DNF on this one.

TFTC.

Quick and easy find while the rest of the family went for a swim. Took the travel dragon to move on. TFTC!

5.10pm - Last cache for the day, lake beautiful and calm but had to get my feet wet toget to cache, co-ords were fine

lovely area

I was here at the lodge for a weekend with the St John youth leaders, placed a bug, not the best place for a SEA HORSE but hey it will get to see how the fresh water creatures live

the cache is stil well hidden and DRY, although may need a restock as the contents are getting sparse

TB visit

On our way to meeting nearby but decided we would have enough time to detour down the road and find the cache. No luck in the first sweep of the area but found on closer inspection. Quickly completed the log and ran back to the car and back on the road T4TC.

TFTC

Visited cache after a walk around the Eastern walkway, very damp so lay all contents out in the sun to dry before packing away again - had to pretend it was our lunch box as some muggles walked past lol.
- International coin

came here for a weekend retreat with St John, awesome place to stay at the lodge.

cache was intact and in a good spot away from priing eyes, the bag with the goodies in was water logged and the goodies were wet, let it dry for a couple of hours. dropped off 2 coins.

the log book, was not wet.

[Another lovely hidden lake in the Rotorua district. Found cache after a very long search. This cache is certainly made much more difficult than it should be by the lack of a hint especially considering its only supposed to be difficulty 1. For those of you who don't wish to spend 30 mins searching we found the cache] approx 15 paces on a bearing of 18 deg mag from the pole. [NINO, TFTC]

I'm not a fan of using hints- and given that the coords pointed 3-4m further into the lake than the post, they were no use at all. Better coords would have made it a lot more pleasant of a hunt. TNLN, Thanks.

Found after quite a bit of hunting. Had headed way too far in but found it on the way out after deciding to give up. TFTC

awsome hide. Had to work out what in line with the pole ment but was able to put my hand on the cache within 5mins. TFTC

Well was a little discouraged after reading the two previous logs, but bingo I had the cache still in line with the fallen tree but unhurt.
Nice walk, it started to rain when walked back to the parking.TNLN SL
TFTC
Cheers
nzkeko

Was attending a conference at the local lodge so decided to have a stoll along the lake edge to find this cache. Spent some time looking and returned the following day for a second look. Agree with the previous cacher that some of the bank has collapsed and bought a tree down with it. Perhapes that cache has been buried under the bank, May need to be checked. An awesome place.

Was there this morning, in the wind. I look for about 20 mins, couldn't find it, but there was a tree that had fallen over... in line with the pole.

Found early morning on my way to Whakapoungakau Trig, no problems. TFTC.

Found it on a fabulous spring day. Jut a bit of a breeze off the lake so had to forgo the swim. TFTC.

Got here mid afternoon and it was gorgeous. There were four fly fishermen in the water up to their armpits casting away merily. We headed along the beach and found the pole then searched inland. Up the bank we went till we thought it can't be way up here so back to the pole and start again. Finally found in a cool hiding place only about 10 paces from the pole so not way up the bank!! Love this lake !! TFTC. + jandal - golf ball

Easy find once we had the pole hint sussed properly. Terrific day with the grandkids,had to forbid the swim tho'.

Windy day on the lake ;0) Something to warm up for after cold times on the water.

Stopped past here after a day kayaking on the lake. Easy find. TNLN TFTC.

Found on second try, first was a couple of months ago when staying at the Lodge and time to search was limited. Also limited was enthusiasm for bush lawyer.This time I noticed something out of place and there it was. TNLN.

The Freezer Mice strike again!!!
Had been here many times as a youngster, so was neat to visit many years later.
Still as beautiful as ever.
Unlike the previous logger, we didnt go swimming... and cache presented itself with ease.
TNLNSL, TFTC.

Had prepared this cache hunt including some others around the area 3 days earlier and had therefore forgotten the details of the write up. I forgot the bit about "in line of the pole you have to move' and our GPS pointed to the pole. So our daughter stripped off and waded out to rummage on top of and inside the pole. Came back soaked and empty handed. In hindsight I know were we should have looked
But it was a great trip to the lake. Had never been here before. Stunning!
Thanks for getting us here.

(127) To think we were here on the 12th of january and could have grabbed it then!! But Geocaching was not even a twinkle in the eye.........

Lake was quite high and a bit of a scramble in the bush was required.

Took the gloves for the geocaching toolkit, and the Buzz keeper of the coin TB

Left a lizard.

Lovely day - water was like glass =) Easy find at a beautiful spot...

IN: Buzz travelbug
OUT: Rubber ball thing

This took a bit longer than expected as the wrong holes were searched first! Success after a widening zone a bit.
Nice day and first time here- will bring a boat over sometime as the undeveloped lake looks too tempting! Thanks

Quick easy find. No wading required

In Bouncy Ball
Out Nil

[This entry was edited by Cach Hunter1 on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7:04:22 PM.]

Drizzly day so could only see 1/3 of the lake. Lake level low so easy walk with dry shoes
In gloves
Out tiger

Took time out while the younger members of the HC's were taking part in the Young Mariners Regatta on this very lake.

http://www.youngmariners.org.nz/

Fantastic spot and a quick find with a few other members of the YM support crew.
TNLNSL TFTC

Found this cache with the family while at the lake for the Young Mariners Regatta. A beautiful part of New Zealand as it used to be.
TFTC

Came over from Tarawera then paddled down to the carpark. One of my favourite lakes. GPS pointed into the lake but the clue helped.

A beautiful still misty morning and no one else here. Cool spot

Checked in Alberta Rose geocoin for a visit.

Yes, it was Water of Laughter today as the GPS wanted us to wade out in the lake several metres beyond the pole!! Punga actually poked around inside it, just in case, but its filled with mud and water and broken glass! Back to the shore and abandoned the GPS to look where we thought it should be and there it was!! Very easily reached.
A lovely lake today, very scenic with half the lake under the blackening clouds and the other half in sunlight. The water was sparkling and refreshingly cool as we paddled back along the beach. TFTC. Thanks for bringing us back here, one of our favourite lakes.

First time to visit this beautiful lake & bush. GPS had me at the pole so a matter of elimination decided not to go there.....could hardly hide a regular cache there! Quick look around & there it was. TFTC

Wandered along to this one before Wild Moa Race start. Took a piece of the black tape to use as an armband in respect for Sir Edmund Hillary who passed away yesterday.

30 minutes before the start of the Wild Moa multisport event (see Lacticturkey.co.nz) we walked away from the crowd waiting for the briefing to collect this cache. Two weeks earlier we had run out of time to do this after Solar Tree. Recommend both of these to anyone visiting the area, although they are very different caches. Thanks a lot Artemiskid...

#954
Quick find, we managed to keep our feet dry. Another nice spot, thanks for bringing us here.
TNLNSL, TFTC

Not too hard to find this one even though my GPSr was trying hard to get me out to the pole itself . Nice hidey hole and a very pretty area.
TNLNSL TFTC

This is one of my favourite places in all NZ so when I found out there was a cache there I had to go ...
A beautiful morning.
Cache was a little difficult to get to but Rich was on hand to help.

+ compass key ring
- sunglasses holder

Replaced one plastic bag but cache was dry and in v good nick.

TFTC

Well bother!!! We searched and searched but no joy. I was in a hurry to print out the sheet for this cache before leaving home a few days prior and did not look at the gallery - I really should have as I am pretty sure that the site is under water now. No excuses though, we love the area and hopefully will be back at a later date with a lower lake level to have another go. Thanks for getting us out and about on a wet day.

Had to go back for this one because we thought we had the wrong area. Very rough terrain in the last few meters But did eventually find and SL

We didn't think we were going to be lucky with this one, especailly as the terrain got rougher and more difficult and we still weren't anywhere near. So we decided to go for a different approach which was even harder, but eventually we made it to the place described in the clue, even our 4 year old...and there it was. Cache was well hidden and dry. Then we were left to contemplate the return journey...
The terrain level definately needs to be lifted, especially taking the route we did.
However, this is still one of the most beautiful places we have visited, even on a rainy day it was amazing. Thanks for bringing us here.
TFTC

Nice day and had the big decision. To get wet or not. It was hot and sunny and the water was nice and cold so I got wet. Dispite the direction on the GPS pointing the wrong way I found the cache easily. Great hiding place. Out surfboard and in key ring.
Thanks

We were touring the area of Rotorua and grabbing a few caches. We ventured here thinking it would be an easy find being a 1/1. This is the hardest 1 terrain we have ever encountered. We were not prepared to get wet and managed not to...found the cache finally. Took the Kiwi TB and will take it to the states.

Wet feet was anything but an optional part of this hunt. Bush bashing was necessary for the last 20m. A great place for a cache, and we knew where we were going, even if the GPSr suggested we hunt right out into the lake.
On discovering the cache in a lovely spot, found one of my own TBs, which I thought was up in Auckland. Have electronically retrieved it and will put it back on it's true journey.


May I suggest that the terrain rating of 1 is deceptive for this cache? Given the lack of paved path and the need to step over thorny vines, and the last 20m up & over, the rating that suggests it is wheelchair accessible is slightly incorrect.

It's great to return to this lake area - been 20 years. Past a dead wallaby on the grassy part of the track. All added to the uniqueness of this special place.
This cache is thoroughly recommended - a wonderful little gem of a place.

Down for the weekend to do some fishing, Water very cold getting to cache ,

1:40pm
A magic area. Easy find.
We enjoyed the hunt.
TFTC
In; Fridge Magnet
Out:NT

As described in the cache description, the lake levels have risen and covered parts of the walkway. That resulted in a ten minutes of bushashing in wet bush. It was quite fun though and we ended up not more than ten feet from an angler, he must have thought that there were some pretty large day-active possums in the bush cause we sure weren't being quiet about bushbashing around. He just carried a conversation with his buddies further around the shore: "Scare some of the trout this way, Mike!"... "Are you trying to say that i'm that ugly?"... "Sure am, mate!". Soon after we found the cache and got it open, the three of them started heading for the wharf and had to pass us huddled over the cache container, so we quickly got the camera to distract them with 'Smile for the candid camera!' we proclaimed as they walked by!!!... And then made up a story about looking for thermal hot water pools around the lake. We bet that made for interesting conversation around the fire in the anglers lodge that night!
oooh... No swaps!
See pictures re: the track being covered with water.

Found at 12.25pm
We came here after visiting Hells Gate, what a contrast.
This is a beautiful spot.
Due to recent rain, the lake level was up and I had to wade around to GZ (COLD water!!)
The cache was high and dry in its location and quickly retrieved
TNLN
Thanks for bringing us here
K&M

Beautiful lake, very tranquil. Lovely walk and good clue. Were surprised by a weta so retrieved it and took it on it's way to a new location.
-Weta TB
+sunglass holder

GenCuster,EJ,Boss (wonderdog) & I have found just the place for TB Wandering Weta. There are sure to be some relatives here..A short wander near Lake Okataina and another cache found..very addictive.

12:46
Nice walk. No dogs allowed, so left Boss tied up in carpark. Saw 2 others wandering free though. Hmmm - obviously muggles!

Beautiful spot for a quiet sit-down. Xmuggle & EJ were on GPS duties. My hands tho!

IN: 'Wandering Weta' TB (Yippee - finally found some cuzzies! Well, not actually with me, but I know there are lots around her of the cave variety...) [:X]

OUT: Bike light, Karabina (Thanks from EJ)
IN: Mac's Hamburglar - new from yesterday - and an old folding robot toy (NOT from big M)

SL & TFTC

NOTE: Replaced Log zip-lock bag as the log was damp; removed food items as lollys were sticky - as was their bag.


[This entry was edited by GenCuster on Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 8:23:55 PM.]

Had a great walk, sun out. Took new geocachers with us, Cache found easily - this place is a NZ gem. in surfboard out screwdriver. Cheers

Travelling to Lake Rotoma with the kids (caughthebug) and stopped off to find the chache. Good walk and clear water. TNLNSN

I just love this area.
How much for holiday homes??
Nice site
On a mission from waikato to get 7 for day to get 200 and we made it

visited with runzz.
great spot! wish i had bought togs along on the trip. on the way we saw an interesting road kill - a wallaby!
tnln thanks

Found with Dysentry after a nice drive. Lovely lake and views of it.
Think we saw timandmary leaving the cache site.
Found cache after a quick search.
Cheers
TNLN

Great day, sunny. Took shrek to give him a holiday in Rotorua

Wow - what a nice area.
+ Shrek TB

Adding Kiwi Holiday Virtual TB

We had a few laughs at this one, Glad we didnt need the torch as Mrs Sherpa broke it.
It took a few minutes to find as there were several possible "Holes"
the lake was rough with big waves
Thanks for showing us this spot
Took the geo coin with us for a trip to Taranaki
Left Carabina

A nice secluded spot free of muggles. Thanks for bringing us here A and the gang. Looks like the water level of this serene lake changes a lot.

Logging in a fisherman that followed me here!

Hi,
I found your cache today. What a beautiful little inlet! Took one TB and left another. I also left my sig disc.
Namaste' ~del Mar~

Got this one on my way back from work. Nice little walk.

A beautiful place for a cache, always a pleasure to be here. In TB.
I must mention that the plants growing all around on the beach in front of the cache are Tutu plants which is one of New Zealands most poisonous plants (will kill a healthy adult cow (or human)) so please be careful and don't allow children or pets to touch or eat.Adding image to log.[xx(]

Beautiful peaceful place, didn't like the Wetas though
IN- Doll and Chewies, Out- stickers. thanks.

Nice easy walk in a great place, very peaceful. In- Lollypops and soldier. Out- little light.

A lovely lake, seen between the showers. Didn't need torch, but left a bike lamp and took card holder. Thanks
decided against doing the Solat Tree cache as the tops were in the clouds.

brilliant spot for a summer picnic,,, will be back,, easy find in the rain


- whistle
+ screwdriver

I was out having a Kayak on the Lake and saw this waypoint on my GPS. I went for a wander over but didn't find it. Didn't try very hard either. My GPS put it a couple of meters out in the lake. However after reading other logs here I will try again another day.
To answer the question about how did the Harbourmaster die at the boat ramp. Dave Pilkington had an altercation with someone who was fishing illegally and dropped dead from a heart attack. The person he was arguing walked away and was charged with Manslaughter by the Police but I think only found guilty of a lesser charge of failing to give assistance.

Nice quick find on this one. Walked along the shore until we were perpendicular to the location indicated by the GPS and began searching. Voila! There it was Sometimes (but not always) things just work out as they should.
Took: a plastic kids game
Left: a blue LED light on a keychain
Also removed two packs of surgical blades as these were not appropriate cache contents.
SL TFTH

My first Geocache found ! The listed coords had it in the lake though, so I have added my own waypoint. Nicely hid. Kiri and Erena were with me. Had nothing to add so took nothing, sorry Kiri I need my watch. Erena is now buying her own GPS and will be geocaching somewhere in Europe soon !

Finaly a dry moment. Fought off the sandflies. How did the harbourofficial come to die doing his duty? Does not look like a dangerous area, so something else happened. There is a plaque near the jetty leaving more questions than answers. Thanx for this cache!

13:10 After visiting "Hell's Gate" we drove to Lake Okataina to find this lake. Our GPS led us to the water too, but we knew already where we had to search. And it didn't take very long. Thank you for this cache at this beautiful location! No wheelchair access to the hideaway (sandy beach)!

IN: Blood drop form the German Red Cross (key tag)
OUT: Car sign

Gabi+Sebastian+Oliver

A great spot to visit, so tranquil. As with other visitors, out GPSr wanted us in the water ..... soon found once we started to look ashore.

Travel Bug Shoe #2 removed, soon to be relocated on its travels.

TB Finns has moved on .....

Didn't venture into the water. Lucky! Easy find, thanks for getting us to the spot.

Dropped off little shoe # 2 TB
Lifted Finz TB

+ educational toy
- duck keychain

Thanks for the incentive to discover a beautiful area. The road here was an experience in itself. Cache was found after a short search, nicely and fairly tucked out of sight. Left TB Finz, card.

The closest we could get to this one, was about 15m. as the
GPS was telling us that the cache was out in the lake.
So we decided to head inland from that point and found fairly quickly.
Out - YoYo and kiwi
In - Duck and Fun Car Sign.
Cheers

Mum found this and was the true Hunt2r. What a totally unbelieable place.- water bombs + golf ball and tee

found this one easily (only by luck) good hiding place
+ 2 packets of hobby knive refills &some jalapeno seeds
- puzzle and string
MYXMYTOSIS

Arrived here fairly late on a winters day with a cool breeze blowing off the lake but it didn’t take too long to find the cache. There have been a lot of slips along the access road and there are a couple of washouts – all following the rains that caused the Edgecumbe flooding.
TNLN

what a cool place, neat road if your car likes it and can you say grippy.

quite a busy place, but at the same time it is very quiet.

out punkin's ariel head
in golf tees

Found it on the second time, can NOT believe that i missed it the first time.

Great location, I loved the road in.

TNLNSL

What an awesome lake. The prettiest by far that Ive seen. Nice easy walk along the beach. The other cache nearby I will do another day. (excuse to come back) Dropped off Ariel's Punkin Head bug. Took shot glass and cap. Left fishing lure and something else, cant remember what. Will fill it up next time I'm there. Thanks for the cache in such a lovely place.

The most beautiful lake I have seen in a long time. Well worth the trip. We are surely going to come back for some hiking here.

Took out a little pack of playing cards and left a Queensland shotglass.