The details of this cache have been updated November 2006.
It is now a requirement of the cache that you email me the answer to a simple question before you can log this as a find. Sorry Couch-Cache logs not accepted
Please read through to the question at the bottom of the listing.
It's possible to find this cache from anywhere in the country by following one road most of the way... State Highway 1 should just about take you all the way.
If you know your Maori Mythology... this should be a piece of cake based on the name of the cache alone. The name refers to the mythical "Jumping Off" point. There are different versions of this tale... but here it is, as told to me when i was a puppy.
My people believe that when you die... your spirit races away on it's final journey... heading south in the blink of an eye... it passes over the entire country from the bottom to the top (or top to bottom... Maori originally refered to the South island as the top of the Country).
If you look to your right from the waypoint (facing out to sea) you'll see the last rock (with the tree sticking out on the other side)... this is the jump off point where your spirit leaves Aotearoa and heads to Hawaiki A Nui... from Hawaiki, it returns to the Jump Off Rock (Te Rerenga Wairua) and travels down the tree, along the root system, into the sea... here your spirit enters the afterlife and your journey on earth is done.
That might not be an accurate account of what happens, but that's what i remember from Nanny and many Aunties telling me when i was young. Take it, or leave it.
Obviously... because this area holds special significance for Maori people, I decided against placing a physical cache.
No Dogs *please read the sign at the gate.
Take the view... leave your respects.
Kia Ora
Question: What was the month and year that the lighthouse first shone in the night?
Check the logs below for details of an un-official (optional) log book in the area. Overdue thanks to HLD for taking the time and the interest.