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Bluff Hill (Bluff, Southland) Traditional Geocache

Hidden : 1/14/2001
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   large (large)

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Geocache Description:

This was the southernmost physical cache in the world from 14 of Jan 2001 to 29 Oct 2002 (more than 1 year and 10 months!)
The most southern cache is now (on 30 Oct 2002) Ross Island by transantarctic, congratulations.

Location: About 2 km south of Bluff, Southland, New Zealand.

The cache is above ground, but invisible from 5 m.


Initial Cache Contents:
  • A jar of slightly burnt homemade marmalade
  • A combination analogue and digital watch (needs new batteries; slightly used)
  • A 6 inch adjustable spanner (well worn)
  • A 100 W long life light bulb
  • An empty CD Case

Directions:

The stash (Accuracy < 10 m Elevation 261 m) is hidden in a 20 litre translucent plastic bucket within very dense scrub, about 25 m East of the car park (S 46°36.882' E 168°20.322' Elevation 268 m).

You may get there by following State Highway 1 through Invercargill and then to the south, when you arrive in Bluff turn right at the signpost for Bluff Hill (S 46°35.931' E 168°20.552' Elevation 10 m). Continue on this road for about 2 km and then park near the top of the hill (S 46°36.893' E 168°20.323' Elevation 275 m). After you find the cache or otherwise, climb the spiral path to the top of Bluff Hill and admire the panoramic view of the coast and the Southland plains (see my photos below).

PS: While in Invercargill, you may like to visit Queen's Park, it's very nice. You might also consider the short side trip to Riverton (you can continue along this great scenic route to either Manapouri or Te Anau).

Free Hint: If you stand on the large boulder in the bush about 5 m from the centre of the north-western side of the car park, you are less than 15 m from the cache. The boulder is also about 15 m west of the start of the ramp.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Whzc qbja sebz gur obhyqre, naq gur pnpur vf nobhg 10 z zntargvp abegu bs gurer (ebhtuyl crecraqvphyne gb gur syng abegu snpr bs gur obhyqre).

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)