Rambling in the Rock and Pillars - SUMMIT ROCKS Traditional Geocache
Rambling in the Rock and Pillars - SUMMIT ROCKS
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is located on the summit ridge of the Rock & Pillars. Approximately 1200m above the Strath Taieri
The cache is a 1.2L sistema container
General
Little more than an hour from Dunedin, the Rock and Pillar Range is one of Otago’s most distinctive upland features; its summit ridge is dominated by impressive schist tors or rocky pillars. The range lies north to south, some 1000m above the surrounding plains. From this height there are extensive views extending across Otago, even as far as Mount Aspiring on a good day!
Natural History
The Rock and Pillars were formed only 3 million years ago as a result of deep local faulting. The weather can be extreme with burning hot Central Otago days and bitingly cold winters where a blizzard can blow up without warning. Westerly winds produce a lenticular cloud known locally as the ‘Taieri Pet’
Tussock, spaniards and hebe on the flanks give way to alpine herb fields and areas of wetland. If you’re lucky you may glimpse weta, skinks or a New Zealand falcon.
Info
Placed on the highest point of the Rock & Pillars this should give you views in all directions. Make this an overnight stay by taking advantage of Big Hut just a few hundred metres down from the cache. Big Hut was built in 1947 by the Otago Ski Club before skiing moved to higher peaks at Queenstown.
WARNING
THIS CACHE IS IN A REMOTE AREA WHERE THE WEATHER CAN BE EXTREME. SCORCHING HOT IN SUMMER, ANTARCTIC IN WINTER WITH FREQUENT STORM FORCE WINDS. VISIBILTY CAN DROP FROM PERFECT TO WHITEOUT IN 15 MINUTES. YOU MUST BE WELL EQUIPPED AND PLAN FOR ALL EVENTUALITIES.
ALL THE SHORTEST APPROACHES INVOLVE AT LEAST 1000m CLIMBS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE STRATH TAIERI. LONGER APPROACHES BY MOUNTAIN BIKE CROSS VERY EXPOSED COUNTRY WITH LITTLE OR NO SHELTER.
DOC have produced a leaflet “Rambling in the Rock & Pillar Range” that you would be advised to read before setting off.
REMEMBER YOUR MAP AND COMPASS, YOUR GPS WONT HELP YOU WHEN THE BATTERY RUNS OUT.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre obhyqre