The Lake that Disappeared in the Kauri Gum Fields of the Far North

This weeks Cache Walk is an exploration around the kauri gum fields of the Far North of New Zealand. Come along as we explore Lake Ohia a lake that has disappeared, gum holes dug at the end of the 19th beginning of the twentieth Century and tree trunks over 30,000 years old. There are geocaches to be found along the way.
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[@michaelcrosse8001]

This video is soo fascinating guys. Loved the EC's you did. So many places to go and visit. That spider was enormous, glad you didn't walk into it Lynn. You too have become the David Attenboroughs of the caching world. Thanks for posting another informative video.

[@GeoRick]

Thanks Mike. Yes the biggest spider I think we have ever seen.

[@Komikino]

Whoa! I like visiting fossilized places like that! While we were in Oregon last weekend, I found places that were active volcanoes and old lava flows. We even saw an exit to some fossil beds. We will have to return there to do more exploring in the future.

[@GeoRick]

Sounds like you went to a great place. Will the fossils beds end up in a video?

[@Komikino]

@@GeoRick We didn't have time to visit all of those spots since we had only a few days to get to the Jasmer caches and back. We plan on going back.
I do have a video I posted a few years ago that show us digging up fossils in central Idaho.

[@GeoRick]

I'll have a look. Thanks.

[@GeoRick]

Just had a look. Yes I remember that leaf fossil :-)

[@mourneswanderer1767]

Very 'amber like' substance and as such, Very beautiful! Is this an insect / spider special edition.....lol. Chickens are getting their own back, yes! Very interesting episode for which we thank you very much (as always)

[@GeoRick]

That was the largest spider we have seen. Not a dangerous one but it made me a little nervous :-)

[@Myria83]

Very interesting! I'm researching this topic, and this video is really useful. Thanks for sharing!

[@GeoRick]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for commenting.

[@TheCuriousKiwis]

Your videos keep getting more and more informative! Love discovering new places through you guys 😂

[@GeoRick]

Thanks glad you like seeing the places we go to. Having great fun researching these.

[@CacheCanada]

Love your new beginning BTW. So the stumps are tens of thousands of years old? Interesting area.

[@GeoRick]

Yes the ones where the lake used to be are around 30,000 years old. The ones where the large holes were dug are over 100,000 years. The wood they get from out of the swamps can be used for furniture. The bar top in our favourite pub is made from these ancient logs :-)

[@sarahb7720]

I've never seen "guard chickens" before. Lol!
That really was a big spider. Easy to spot so you don't accidentally walk into it! The lizards were super cute.
I had never heard the term "swamp carry" before. Very interesting to See.
Such interesting information. Thanks for creating and sharing this video with us.

[@GeoRick]

Thanks Sarah glad you liked it. That spider is the largest we have seen :-)

[@ComepiedrasGeocaching]

Awesome! We love such places so full of history!!! 😍

[@GeoRick]

Thanks glad you liked it. Love seeing your places too :-)

[@ankez]

Loved the video. Can kauri be exported out of New Zealand?

[@GeoRick]

Yes the tables, bowls and clocks etc can be exported. Some of the swamp kauri gets exported as large wide timber like that is in demand but I believe there is some controversy around it going out as some see it as a local treasure.

[@geocachinglovimoly8725]

Interesting stories, amazing places to visit. Best regards.

[@GeoRick]

Thanks Lovimoly. I had seen gum holes left by the diggers on my brothers farm many years ago but they were just a few dents in the ground not deep holes like these.

[@BrentSmithsimrebel]

wow never heard of gum holes before

[@GeoRick]

The whole of the area from Auckland north to the top of New Zealand was dug over in the search for fossilised gum from the Kauri tree. The best holes to see are in the Far North.